^ 


tihravy  of  €he  t:heolo0ical  ^emmar;p 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 
PRESENTED  BY 

Rev.  B.  J.  Brinkema 
BX  9211  .M535  M5  1919      ) 
Middletown,  0.  First 

Presbyterian  Church.      I 
A  history  of  the  life  and 

work  of  the  First 


A    HISTORY 

OF  THE  LIFE  AND  WORK  OF 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church 

Of'mIDDLETOWN,  OHIO 

(DAYTON  PRESBYTERY) 

From  Its  Foundation  in  1819  to  1919 


Prepared  Under  the  Direction  of  the  Boards  of  the  Church 

in  connection  with  the 

Centennial  Celebration  held  in  the  Church 

October  19th  to  26th,  1919 


Middletown,  Ohio,  November  1,  1919 


"I  was  glad  when  they  said  unto 

me, 
Let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the 

Lord." 

—Psalm    122:1 


Rev.  Francis  Monfort,  born  1782,  died  1855,  the  first  pastor  of  our 
Church,  serving  from  1819  to  1824.  Mr.  Monfort  was  the  grand- 
father of  Rev.  Joseph  G.  Monfort,  D.  D.,  the  venerable  editor  of  the 
Herald  and  Presbyter. 

This  illustration  vi^as  made  from  a  copy  of  an  oil  painting  by  an 
artist  who  had  known  Mr.  Monfort  for  several  years.  As  an  aid  in 
his  work  the  artist  used  two  daguerreotypes  of  Mr.  Monfort,  taken 
when  he  was  seventy  years  old. 


The  Story  of  a  Hundred  Tears. 


Can  you  imagine  now  for'  just  a  few  minutes  that  you 
are  living  one  hundred  years  ago?  In  other  words,  can  you 
put  yourself  in  the  position  of  the  few  men  and  women  who 
came  from  the  New  Jersey  Church,  at  Carlisle,  and  Dick's 
Creek  Church,  7iear  Blue  Ball,  to  organize  the  First  Preshy- 
te7'ian  Church  of  Middletoivn — our  church?  Can  you  think 
of  our  beautiful,  prosperous,  happy  city  being  a  little  ham- 
let, with  not  over  three  hundred  citizens,  ivith  one  small 
school  house  and  two  struggling  churches  ?  You  must  know 
nothing  of  the  good  roads,  of  the  railroads,  or  even  of  the 
canal.  You  will  have  to  make  your  journeys  on  foot  or  on 
horseback.  You  must  know  nothing  of  the  daily  newspaper. 
Only  occasionally  you  ivill  see  a  netv  pamphlet  or  a  new 
book.  You  must  think  differently,  dress  differeyitly,  work 
differently,  be  entertained  differently,  than  is  your  preseyit 
custom.  But  you  have  at  least  one  thing  in  common  with 
those  men  and  women  of  one  hundred  years  ago — you  can 
love  God.  and  worship  Him,  the  same  as  did  they,  and  so  may 
have  the  same  interest  in  His  Church. 

The  first  part  of  our  story  was  written  fifty  years  ago  by 
Rev.  Joshua  L.  Russell,  who  was  the  pastor  of  our  Church 
at  that  time,  and  was  read  by  him  at  the  semi-centennial  of 
the  Church  in  1870.  He,  no  doubt,  had  talked  with  some  of 
the  founders  of  the  Church  and  those  who  had  labored  for 
its  welfare  for  years.  This  "History  of  the  First  Fifty 
Years  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Middletown, 
Ohio,"  as  Mr.  Russell  entitles  it,  is  printed  here  just  as  it 
appears  in  the  manusciipt  from  which  he  read  except  that 
a  feiv  paragraphs  have  been  added  so  as  not  to  cause  a  break 
in  the  account  of  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Russell  tvho  served  in 
the  Church  for  about  two  years  after  the  semi-centennial 
celebration.  His  mayiuscript  is  still  in  the  possession  of  the 
Church.  The  turiting  is  notably  neat  and  legible.  The  ink 
scenes  to  have  faded  little,  if  any,  and  the  paper  is  only 
slightly  discolored.  The  story  as  told  by  Mr.  Russell  fol- 
lows. 


FIRST  PERIOD,  1820—1840  A.  D. 

AT  the  spring  meeting  of  the  Miami  Presbytery,  held  at 
Lebanon,  April  6th  and  7th,  1819,  a  petition  was  pre- 
sented from  Middletown,  Ohio,  supplicating,  first,  occasional 
preaching;  second,  liberty  to  form  a  Presbyterian  Church 
at  that  place.  The  petition  was  granted,  and  Rev.  Francis 
Monfort  was  appointed  to  preach  one  Sabbath  at  Middle- 
town. 

A  little  later  in  the  month  (14th),  a  number  of  persons 
residing  in  and  near  Middletown  met,  according  to  agree- 
ment and  notice  before  given,  for  the  purpose  of  being  or- 
ganized into  a  Presbyterian  congregation.  From  the  records 
of  that  meeting  it  would  appear  that  it  was  simply  prelim- 
inary, no  organization  proper  being  effected,  although  M. 
W.  Karr,  was  elected  clerk ;  A.  Campbell,  collector ;  and 
Ezek.  Ball,  treasurer. 

During  the  following  year,  their  plans  and  efforts  hav- 
ing so  far  matured  as  to  warrant  further  steps,  another 
congregational  meeting  was  held  on  Saturday,  the  29th  of 
July,  1820,  the  specified  purpose  of  which  was  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  church.  The  Rev.  Francis  Monfort,  pastor,  and  the 
elders  of  the  New  Jersey  Church  (an  older  sister  in  the 
numerous  and  well-grown  Presbyterian  family  making  its 
home  in  this  highly  favored  valley),  were  present  by  invita- 
tion to  assist  in  the  organization  of  the  church. 

After  a  sermon  by  Mr.  Monfort,  he,  with  the  elders  of 
New  Jersey  Church  present,  viz. :  Zebulon  Baird,  Tunis  D. 
Vanderveer,  Hendrick  Lane,  Peter  Covenhovin  and  Ankey 
Wyckoff  (some  of  whom  are  yet  alive) ,  constituted  by  prayer 
a  sessional  meeting.  An  invitation  was  then  given  for  the 
reception  of  members.  After  deliberation  and  conversa- 
tion with  persons  making  application  for  membership,  ses- 
sion adjourned,  to  meet  in  the  same  place  on  the  6th  of  Au- 
gust. On  Sabbath,  the  6th  of  August,  Rev.  Francis  Monfort 
and  three  of  the  elders,  viz.:  Zebulon  Baird,  Peter  Coven- 
liovin  and  Ankey  Wyckoff,  met  pursuant  to  adjournment, 
and  received  applicants  for  membership.  The  total  num- 
ber of  those  who  thus,  in  the  good  providence  of  God,  be- 
came associated  together  in  the  organization  of  this  church 

5 


was  but  twelve.  Five  of  these,  Mr.  Archibald  Campbell  and 
his  wife,  Mrs.  Sarah  Campbell;  Moses  W.  Karr  and  Mrs. 
Ann  Karr,  and  Miss  Jane  Robinson,  came  by  certificate  from 
the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dick's  Creek;  four,  Nathan 
Peppard  and  Mrs.  Peppard,  David  Potter  and  Miss  Jane 
Malery,  by  certificate  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Mt. 
Pleasant,  Kentucky;  three,  Mr.  John  M.  Barnett  and  Mrs. 
Jane  Barnett,  his  wife,  and  Ruth  Fisher,  by  examination, 
A  little  band,  indeed!  A  mere  handful!  But  these  few 
humble  Christians  were  the  nucleus  about  which  future 
forces  and  influences  were  to  be  gathered  and  grouped.  That 
early  church  was  like  a  little  vine.  But  God  had  planted  it. 
He  watched  and  watered  it,  and  it  has  grown  and  borne 
much  fruit.  And  already  many  Eschol-like  clusters  have 
been  gathered  for  the  heavenly  vintage. 

The  building  in  which  these  Christians  gathered  for  wor- 
ship, and  where  this  organization  was  effected,  and  wherein 
they  worshipped  for  ten  succeeding  years,  was  probably  a 
schoolhouse  that  formerly  occupied  a  part  of  the  present 
site  of  the  public  school  building  on  the  corner  of  Main  and 
Second  streets.  An  interesting  fact  associated  with  the  his- 
tory of  that  old  and  almost  forgotten  school  room  is  worthy 
of  mention.  In  it  the  first  Sabbath  School  established  in  this 
town  was  organized  and  for  some  time  conducted.  It  was 
on  a  kind  of  union  basis.  The  Baptist  Sabbath  School  was 
an  offshoot  or  outgrowth  of  it,  a  number  of  persons  who  held 
to  the  distinctive  tenets  of  that  denomination  having  with- 
drawn some  two  years  after  its  organization  and  established 
a  school  of  their  own.  Of  that  first  school,  the  one  now  a 
part  of  this  church,  is  the  legal  and  legitimate  successor,  and 
until  a  very  recent  date  the  records  of  that  early  school  had 
been  transmitted  in  the  keeping  of  this  church.  It  appears 
from  the  Presbyterial  Records,  that  about  this  time  a  peti- 
tion was  presented  from  the  Middletown  Church  for  the 
ministerial  labors  of  Rev.  Francis  Monfort  one-half  his  time, 
which  petition  was  granted,  provided  he  concur.  That  this 
arrangement  was  agreeable  to  Mr.  Monfort,  and  that  he 
labored  here,  we  learn  from  statistics  and  historical  notes 
gathered  in  1842  at  the  demand  of  the  Presbytery.  Rev. 
Francis  Monfort  supplied  the  pulpit  of  this  church  one-half 

6 


his  time  for  two  years,  commencing  soon  after  its  organ- 
ization. 

At  a  communion  season  in  June,  1821,  fifteen  more  were 
added  to  the  church,  ten  of  whom  united  by  certificate  and 
five  by  profession  of  their  faith  in  Christ.  On  Friday,  June 
21st,  preceding  communion,  a  congregational  meeting  was 
held  for  the  purpose  of  electing  elders.  Three  were  chosen, 
viz. :  Wm.  McClain,  Nathaniel  Peppard  and  Moses  W.  Karr ; 
and  on  the  next  day,  Saturday,  they  were  solemnly  ordained 
to  the  holy  and  Scriptural  office.  In  July,  1822,  Rev.  John 
Ross  visited  Middletown  as  a  missionary  and  administered 
the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  From  this  date  until 
1828,  a  space  of  six  years,  we  find  no  recorded  data  from 
which  to  judge  of  the  condition  of  the  church.  That  it  still 
lived  and  struggled  on  we  judge  from  occasional  hints  in  the 
records  of  the  Presbytery.  Such,  for  instance,  as  the  re- 
ceipt of  a  collection  on  behalf  of  some  benevolent  object,  or 
the  appointment  of  some  neighboring  minister  to  preach 
for  a  Sabbath,  or  to  hold  a  series  of  meetings.  That  the 
church  was  destitute  of  regular  ministrations  of  the  Word  is 
evident.  In  those  days  the  facilities  of  worship  and  church 
privileges  were  not  as  abundant  and  easy  of  access  as  now. 
But  perhaps  the  Christians  of  those  days,  if  they  had  fewer 
helps  and  advantages,  sought  light  and  strength  more  ear- 
nestly of  God.  We  may  well  make  honorable  mention  of 
these  fathers  and  mothers  of  our  church,  and  hold  them  in 
sacred  remembrance  for  their  earnest  faith  and  patient 
works.  We  must  remember  that  the  church  was  still  feeble. 
It  was  an  infant  yet,  and  one  rocked  in  the  cradle  of  adver- 
sity. Its  members  were  in  moderate  circumstances  and  few 
in  numbers  and  could  not  sustain  the  regular  means  of  grace. 
Besides,  the  Presbytery  had  a  very  large  missionary  terri- 
tory to  occupy,  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  Ohio  River,  on 
the  north  by  the  lakes,  east,  by  what  was  known  as  "Wash- 
ington Presbytery,"  west,  ad  infinitum. 

In  August,  1828,  previous  notice  having  been  given,  the 
congregation  met  for  the  purpose  of  electing  two  additional 
elders.  Choice  was  made  of  Archibald  Campbell  and 
Ephraim  Gray,  who  were  ordained  at  the  earliest  opportun- 
ity.   In  the  following  month  this  church,  in  connection  with 

7 


the  Franklin  Church,  made  application  to  the  Board  of  Do- 
mestic Missions  that  it  might  be  supplied  with  regular 
preaching  for  one  year. 

Rev.  Samuel  Smith  was  sent  in  answer  to  this  request  to 
occupy  the  field,  and  was  received  by  this  church,  but  not  by 
Franklin.  Mr.  Smith  was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary 
ability  and  attainment,  so  estimated  by  those  who  knew  him 
best.  His  labors  seem  to  have  been  much  blessed  of  God, 
judging  by  the  results,  for  in  the  course  of  a  few  months,  at 
a  communion  in  which  he  was  assisted  by  Rev.  John  Hud- 
son, eleven  were  received  on  profession  of  faith  in  Christ, 
among  whom  were  Ann  Lefferson,  long  useful  and  now  la- 
mented in  this  church,  Mary  Galbreath,  now  living  in 
Franklin,  and  Margaret  Yeager;  also  three  on  certificate. 
This  was  succeeded  by  an  ingathering  of  nine  on  profession 
of  faith  in  the  following  August.  And  just  here  let  a  note 
be  made  of  the  fact  that  of  those  who  were  thus  gathered  in, 
but  one  received  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  showing  that 
they  were  the  children  of  faith,  dedicated  by  their  parents 
to  God.  Thus  does  God  seal  as  His  own  the  children  of  His 
people,  and  cause  His  blessing  to  rest  on  the  fulfillment  of 
the  Scripture  taught  and  enjoined  ordinance  of  infant  bap- 
tism. 

Early  in  1829,  the  church,  feeling  the  necessity  of  i 
building  in  which  to  worship  God,  began  to  move  in  the  mat- 
ter. In  January  a  subscription  was  circulated  for  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  funds  requisite  to  such  an  enterprise. 
About  nine  hundred  dollars  ($900)  was  pledged,  one-half 
of  which  was  to  be  paid  in  by  the  10th  of  May,  the  remaining 
one-half  by  the  10th  of  September.  It  seemed  a  great  un- 
dertaking, yet  the  hearts  of  the  people  were  in  it.  "They 
had  a  mind  to  work,"  as  had  the  builders  of  the  wall  in  the 
days  of  Nehemiah.  And  some  gave  money,  and  some  gave 
work,  and  some  gave  money  and  work,  and  some  prayed. 
And  so  the  work  went  on.  An  incident  illustrative  of  the 
spirit  which  characterized  the  people  at  that  time  should  be 
known.  The  solicitor  of  subscriptions  came  into  the  shop 
where  an  apprentice  lad,  not  a  church  member,  but  one 
earnestly  anxious  for  the  welfare  of  the  church,  was  at 
work,  and  asked  him  to  subscribe.     He  had  no  money  and 

8 


-:^ 


■*y$--. 


^-^^^^-^^  • 


IOur  first  church  building,  erected  on  Broadway,  in  1832,  near  where 
the  Lutheran  Church  parsonage  now  stands.  Some  of  the  brick  in  this 
I  building  were  used  in  the  construction  of  the  building  now  standing 
Idirectly  back  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 


Rev.  John  B.  Morton, 

Pastor,  1840-47,  1853-65.  Mr. 
Morton  was  a  tower  of  strength 
in  Middletown  during  his  long 
pastorate  in  this  church.  He 
founded  and  taught  a  private 
school  for  young  women  while 
here.  He  is  buried  in  the  Mid- 
dletown Cemetery. 


could  not  see  his  way  clear  to  obtain  any.  It  was  suggested 
to  him  that  he  put  down  some  definite  amount  and  endeavor 
to  obtain  it.  This  he  did.  The  amount  was  ten  dollars.  He 
obtained  it  by  working  after  his  regular  day's  work  was 
done  in  odd  ends  of  time.  He  experienced  the  blessedness 
of  giving. 

Upon  this  financial  basis  the  church  began  to  operate. 
Nine  hundred  dollars  ($900)  certainly  seems  to  us  in  these 
days  of  enlarged  ecclesiastical  enterprises  and  splendid  tem- 
ples a  very  paltry  sum  with  which  to  begin  a  church  build- 
ing. But  we  must  remember  those  days  were,  in  some  re- 
spects, simpler  than  our  own,  and  prices  of  labor  and  ma- 
terial were  vastly  different  from  the  high  rates  of  the  pres- 
ent. The  first  step  was  to  secure  a  suitable  place.  A  beauti- 
ful site  was  purchased  of  Daniel  Doty,  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  town,  shaded  and  retired,  the  stately  trees  of  whicli 
suggest  God's  first  temples.  Nothing  further  seems  to  have 
been  done  in  this  matter  for  two  or  three  years,  although 
doubtless  it  occupied  much  of  the  thought  and  feeling  of  the 
people.  This  period  of  time  (1829-1831)  seems  to  have  been 
a  time  of  spiritual  prosperity  and  enjoyment.  The  church 
bad  now  what  it  had  never  before  experienced,  viz. :  the  ben- 
efit of  constant  ministration.  Mr.  Smith,  who  during  the 
year  preceding  had  been  laboring  with  it  but  one-half  his 
time,  now  gave  all  his  time  and  labors.  But  he  was  prob- 
ably not  yet  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry,  for 
the  Sessional  Records  make  mention  of  the  fact  at  every 
regular  communion  of  some  neighboring  minister  being 
present  to  administer  the  Sacrament.  Yet  his  labors  were 
blessed  to  the  edification  and  growth  of  the  church.  Cover- 
ing this  time  we  find  such  minutes  as  the  following: 

February  29th,  1830.  Rev.  Adrian  Aken  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper.  Seven  were  received  on  examination 
into  church  membership  at  this  time,  among  whom  were  Mr. 
Patterson  Mitchell,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bonnell  and  Isaac  Vad- 
der. 

July  3rd,  1830.  Rev.  J.  W.  Frazier  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper.    Two  added  on  profession. 

October  2nd,  1830.  Rev.  J.  W.  Frazier  again  adminis- 
tered communion.    One  was  added  to  the  church. 

10 


April  30th,  1831.  Communion  season.  Five  added  by 
profession,  two  on  certificate.  Of  these,  one,  Mary  Fish, 
now  Mrs.  Denny,  is  still  a  member  of  the  church.  Minis- 
ters present.  Revs.  Dr.  Thomas,  Gaines,  Weaver  and  Smith. 
It  must  have  been  about  this  time  or  soon  after  that  Mr. 
Smith's  labors  ceased  in  this  church. 

In  April,  1832,  a  meeting  of  the  church  members  was 
held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Wm.  McClain  to  consider  plans  of 
church  building,  at  which  it  was  resolved,  first,  that  the 
building  should  be  built  of  brick  and  its  dimensions  should 
be  forty-five  (45)  feet  in  length  and  thirty-five  (35)  feet  in 
width ;  also  resolved :  That  said  house  shall  have  three  doors 
in  it,  one  large  double  door  in  front  and  one  small  door  on 
each  side,  and  nine  large  windows  and  three  small  ones. 

Mr.  Wm.  McClain,  Wm.  Judd  and  Moses  W.  Karr  were 
appointed  a  building  committee  and  instructed  with  "full 
powers"  to  erect  the  building.  A  contract  was  made  with 
Meeker  S.  Morton  to  build  the  house,  which  was  fulfilled  at 
the  specified  time,  and  for  which  he  received  the  sum  of 
seven  hundred  and  eighty-nine  dollars  and  fifty-three  cents 
« $789,53).  The  work  of  plastering  was  let  to  Eli  Green  for 
forty-five  ($45)  dollars;  the  making  of  shutters,  cornicing 
and  staircase  to  David  Potter  for  eighty-four  ($84)  dollars  ; 
the  furnishing  the  church  with  pews  to  David  L.  Murray. 
The  total  cost  of  the  building  was  about  eleven  hundred 
($1,100)  dollars.  The  seats  were  sold  to  defray  the  expense 
of  building  them.  Three  hundred  ($300)  dollars  were  real- 
ized from  the  sale.  The  unoccupied  seats  were  offered  for 
rent  at  the  rates  of  one,  one  and  one-half  and  two  dollars  per 
year,  as  we  learn  from  plats  of  the  seats  drafted  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  trustees  and  still  preserved. 

A  peculiar  and  somewhat  unusual  disposition,  how- 
ever, was  made  of  four  pews,  as  we  learn  from  a  resolution 
unanimously  adopted  at  a  congregational  meeting  held  Feb- 
ruary 11th,  1833.  "Resolved,  That  the  four  pews  on  the  south 
of  the  pulpit,  numbered  thirty,  thirty-one,  thirty-two  and 
thirty-three,  be  reserved  for  the  use  of  those  persons  who 
have  paid  liberally  toward  the  building  of  this  house,  and 
who  have  since  moved  away."  What  particular  benefit  these 
absent  persons  were  expected  to  reap  from  their  pews  it  is 

11 


difficult  to  imagine.  However,  the  church,  as  we  find  in  a 
subsequent  item,  very  sensibly  concluded  to  rent  out  these 
four  seats  already  specified  until  such  time  as  these  persons 
to  whom  the  church  had  thus  shown  its  grateful  good  will, 
t^hould  return  and  claim  them. 

And  thus  the  church  became  possessed  of  its  first  build- 
ing, which  still  stands  and  now  is  owned  and  occupied  by  the 
German  Lutheran  Church,  From  the  time  of  the  occupation 
of  this  building  for  a  number  of  years  nothing  unusual  oc- 
curred. During  this  period  Rev,  John  Hudson  supplied  the 
pulpit  of  the  church  one-fourth  of  the  time  for  one  year. 
Succeeding  him  Rev.  Alexander  Guy  preached  for  one  year. 
Then  in  the  spring  of  1837  application  was  made  to  the 
Presbytery  for  the  services  of  Rev.  J.  S.  Belleville,  This 
was  granted  and  Mr,  Belleville  labored  here  for  a  year  or 
more.  And  so  earnest  were  his  labors  in  word  and  doc- 
trine that  he  became  known  throughout  this  section  of  the 
country,  far  and  near,  as  "Boanerges,"  the  Son  of  Thunder. 
During  this  period  one  member  was  added  to  the  Session, 
viz, :  G,  B.  Crawford,  ordained  elder  April  15th,  1837,  and 
some  twenty  to  twenty-five  were  added  to  the  membership 
of  the  church,  making  a  total  of  ninety-two  members  r'3- 
ceived  during  the  twenty-years  which  we  have  now  re- 
viewed, the  greatest  number  at  any  one  time  in  connection 
with  the  church  being  between  sixty  and  seventy.  It  was  a 
time  of  trial  and  struggle ;  and  often  its  condition  seemed 
hopeless,  dying,  and,  behold,  it  lived.  It  was  sustained  and 
fostered  by  the  Presbytery  and  many  appropriations  were 
made  on  its  behalf.  Of  the  men  of  God  who  ministered  here 
during  this  first  twenty  years  of  its  life  we  add  the  follow- 
ing notes : 

Rev,  Francis  Monfort,  who  organized  the  church,  died 
June  18th,  1855,  aged  seventy-two  and  one-half  years.  After 
a  long  and  useful  life  in  the  ministry,  embracing  about  for- 
ty-two years,  the  greatest  part  of  which  was  spent  in  the 
Miami  Valley,  he  came  to  his  grave  like  a  shock  of  corn  fully 
ripe.  Let  him  be  and  in  honor  for  his  work's  sake !  All  the 
rest  are  yet  living. 

Rev.  S.  B.  Smith,  in  infirm  health  and  advanced  age,  re- 
sides somewhere  in  the  East. 

12 


Rev.  John  Hudson,  also  infirm,  is  living  at  West  Liberty, 
Iowa. 

Rev.  Alexander  Guy,  who  retired  from  the  ministry  some 
years  since,  resides  in  the  town  of  Oxford,  in  this  county, 
and  Father  Belleville,  whose  failing  health  has  not  per- 
mitted him  to  labor  in  the  ministry  actively  for  years,  re- 
sides in  Dayton,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio. 

SECOND  PERIOD,  1840—1867. 

THIS  period  embraces  thirty  years,  the  earlier  portion  oi 
which  is  characterized  by  gradual  growth.  It  begins 
with  darkness  and  closes  with  light.  At  the  opening  of  the 
year  eighteen  hundred  and  forty  the  affairs  of  the  church 
were  in  a  very  discouraging  condition.  Even  with  the  help 
received  from  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions,  it  was  impos- 
sible to  sustain  regular  preaching.  The  people  very  eagerly 
and  gratefully  availed  themselves  of  the  means  of  grace 
occasionally  afforded,  but  they  had  lost  heart.  And  so  al- 
most in  despair  they  besought  the  Presbytery  at  its  spring 
meeting  in  April  to  devise  some  means  by  which  the  church 
might  be  kept  alive.  It  seemed  that  this  candlestick  was 
about  to  be  removed  out  of  its  place.  The  Presbytery,  deem- 
ing the  church  located  in  too  important  a  place  to  be  neg- 
lected, gave  attention  to  the  request  and  instructed  their 
Commissioner  to  the  Assembly,  Rev.  John  Belleville,  to  se- 
cure a  minister,  sent  out  under  the  auspices  of  the  Domestic 
Missionary  Board,  to  labor  in  this  place.  In  the  meantime 
Rev.  M.  Russell,  the  father  of  a  later  pastor,  who  had  not 
been  licensed,  was  appointed  at  that  same  Presbyterial  meet- 
ing to  preach  during  the  month  of  May  in  this  church. 

On  application  of  Mr.  Belleville,  Dr.  Wm.  McDowell,  Sec- 
retary of  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions,  recommended  a 
young  man,  licentiate  of  the  First  Presbytery,  New  York, 
whom  he  described  as  well  fitted  for  the  field  and  its  work, 
and  whom  we  need  not  name  as  the  pastor,  so  many  years 
of  whose  life  were  given  to  this  church. 

Rev.  John  B.  Morton  came  to  Middletown  in  June  and 
began  his  work.  In  October  of  the  same  year  the  church 
requested  leave  of  the  Presbytery  to  employ  him  six  months, 
which  request  was  granted.    Mr.  Morton  served  the  church 

13 


thus  as  stated  supply  until  the  fall  of  1842,  when  the  church 
of  Franklin  requested  his  labors  one-half  the  time  for  six 
months.  He  then  preached  during  that  winter  in  the  two 
churches  on  alternate  Sabbaths.  In  the  fall  of  1841  Mr.  Na- 
thaniel Furman,  since  deceased,  and  Mr.  Patterson  Mitchell, 
a  brother  beloved,  to  whose  fidelity  and  earnestness  this 
church  owes  much,  now  a  resident  of  Dayton,  were  elected 
and  ordained  Ruling  Elders.  During  the  period  in  which 
Mr.  Morton  served  the  church  as  stated  supply,  a  space  of 
almost  three  years,  thirty-four  members  were  added  to  the 
church. 

There  seems  to  have  been  a  more  than  usual  manifesta- 
tion of  the  Divine  Power  accompanying  and  applying  the 
preaching  of  the  truth  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1843. 
Many  careless  ones  were  awakened,  and  sought  and  found 
peace  in  the  atoning  blood  of  Jesus.  Daily  meetings  were 
held  a  part  of  January  and  through  the  entire  month  of  Feb- 
ruary. In  this  work  Mr.  Morton  was  assisted  principally  by 
Rev.  Thomas  E.  Thomas,  occasionally  by  Rev.  Samuel  New- 
all,  then  of  Lebanon,  since  called  to  Paris,  Illinois,  Rev.  Sam- 
uel B.  Smith  and  Rev.  John  S.  Weaver,  Some  twenty-five 
were  added  to  the  church  on  profession  of  their  faith  in 
Christ,  among  whom  of  the  living  were  Miss  Elizabeth  Glas- 
coe  and  Mrs.  Sarah  Hilt,  yet  residing  here  and  abiding  fast 
in  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God ;  also  Mr.  Wm.  Mitchell,  now 
a  Ruling  Elder.  Of  those  gone  to  the  upper  Sanctuary  were 
Dr.  Peter  Vanderveer,  elected  elder  February,  1856,  died 
January  16th,  1861 ;  Miss  Margaret  Vanderveer,  afterward 
Mrs.  Morton,  died  July,  1865,  and  Mrs.  Eliza  Wampler, 
called  to  her  reward  in  Heaven  February,  1866,  but  the 
memory  of  whose  earnest  life  is  sweetly  fragrant  in  the 
hearts  of  those  who  knew  her;  also  Miss  Elizabeth  Leffer- 
son  (Mrs.  Thomas  Wilson),  died  August  8th,  1872.  These 
all  are  blessed  for  they  died  in  the  Lord.  These  do  rest  from 
their  labors  and  their  works  do  follow  them.  Immediately 
succeeding  this  revival  the  church  extended  a  call  to  Mr. 
Morton  to  become  its  pastor.  The  following  record  bears 
date  of  Thursday,  March  14th,  1843. 

"The  members  and  supporters  of  the  Middletown  church 
met  for  the  purpose  of  electing  a  pastor.     Rev.  James  Coe 

14 


moderated  the  meeting  which  resulted  in  the  choice  of  Rev. 
John  B.  Morton  by  a  unanimous  vote." 

Patterson  Mitchell,  Elder,  was  instructed  to  prosecute 
the  call  at  the  ensuing  meeting  of  the  Presbytery.  At  the 
meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  April  4th,  the  call  was  presented, 
found  in  order,  put  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Morton,  and  ac- 
cepted by  him. 

Tuesday,  25th  of  April,  was  appointed  as  the  day  of  his 
ordination  and  installation  to  the  pastorate  of  the  church. 

Rev.  James  C,  Barnes,  of  Dayton,  was  appointed  to 
preach  the  ordination  sermon;  Rev.  James  Coe  to  preside 
and  deliver  the  charge  to  the  pastor;  and  Rev.  John  S.  Gallo- 
way to  deliver  the  charge  to  the  people.  Those  brethren  and 
fathers  in  the  ministry  have  all  yielded  up  their  earthly 
stewardship  and  joined  the  general  assembly  and  church  oi 
the  first  born  who  are  enrolled  in  heaven.  Mr.  Morton  con- 
tinued pastor  of  the  church  for  four  years,  during  which 
time  eighteen  more  were  added  to  its  membership,  and  one 
elder,  Wm.  Cassady,  elected  at  what  precise  date  it  can  not 
be  ascertained,  no  minute  having  been  made  of  the  fact.  Yet 
as  his  name  first  appeared  in  sessional  meetings  held  during 
the  spring  of  1847,  it  must  have  been  about  this  time  he  was 
inducted  into  office.  Rev.  Mr.  Morton  labored  but  one-half 
his  time  here  during  the  last  two  years  of  his  pastorate. 

In  April  ,1845,  by  mutual  agreement,  the  Presbytery 
sanctioning,  he  was  released  from  labor  one-half  his  time 
and  engaged  by  the  Franklin  church  for  this  unoccupied 
portion  of  time. 

In  1846  the  same  arrangement  was  effected.  And  in 
1847  the  pastoral  relation  between  Mr.  Morton  and  this 
church  was  dissolved  by  Presbytery.  At  the  same  time  per- 
mission was  asked  and  obtained,  on  the  part  of  the  church, 
to  employ  Rev.  S.  M.  Templeton,  who  had  just  attached  him- 
self to  this  Presbytery,  by  a  regular  dismission  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Coshocton.  We  do  not  know  and  "have  not 
been  able  to  ascertain  the  age  of  Mr.  Templeton,  nor  the 
length  of  time  he  had  been  preaching,  or  whether  this  was 
his  first  settlement,  although  we  infer  that  he  was  young 
in  the  ministry  if  not  in  years  from  this  fact,  that  a  little 
memorandum  book,  which  has  fallen  into  our  hands,  in  which 

15 


he  kept  the  roll  of  his  Sabbath  School  class  while  he  was  a 
student  in  the  Seminary  at  Allegheny,  bears  date  of  the  year 
1839,  but  seven  years  prior  to  his  coming  here. 

Mr.  Templeton  served  the  church  as  a  stated  supply  for 
eighteen  months.  Then  in  the  fall  of  1848  he  received  a  call 
to  the  pastorate  of  the  church,  but  was  never  installed  pas- 
tor. For  what  reason  it  does  not  appear.  He  obtained  per- 
mission of  the  Presbytery  to  retain  the  call  for  six  months 
in  his  hands  without  positively  deciding  upon  it,  and  at  the 
expiration  of  the  six  months  renewed  the  request,  which 
was  again  granted. 

During  the  latter  part  of  1850,  Mr.  Morton,  who,  in  the 
meantime,  had  been  pastor  of  the  Franklin  Church,  resigned 
his  pastoral  office  and  removed  to  Middletown  and  supplied 
jointly  with  Mr.  Templeton  the  pulpit  here  for  about  a  year. 

During  those  years  the  church  moved  along  quietly,  noth- 
ing remarkable  or  unusual  transpiring  to  distinguish  them. 
Some  twenty-five  persons  in  all,  upon  profession  of  faith 
and  by  certificate,  were  added  to  the  church.  Mr.  Templeton 
died  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa,  some  time  between  1860  and 
1865. 

In  1853  Mr.  Morton  was  invited  to  supply  the  pulpit  of 
this  church  for  six  months.  It  was  about  this  time  that  the 
church  became  entirely  self-sustaining.  For  at  this  date  we 
find  the  last  appropriation  ordered  by  Presbytery  for  the 
assistance  of  the  church.  About  this  time,  too,  the  church 
began  to  lay  plans  for  a  new  building,  but  of  this  proposal  no 
minutes  or  records  of  any  kind  seem  to  have  been  kept,  or  if 
made  they  were  long  since  lost,  excepting  a  faded  subscrip- 
tion list  recently  unearthed,  and  in  which  may  be  found 
names  of  many  living  members  of  this  community.  The  re- 
sult of  those  plans  is  seen  in  the  building  which  the  church 
now  occupies.  It  was  begun  in  1854  and  finished  in  1856, 
its  probable  cost  being  from  ten  to  twelve  thousand  dollars. 
The  building  committee  was  Dr.  G.  E.  Wampler,  Thomas 
Wilson,  John  L.  Martin  and  Wm.  S.  Young.  The  dedication 
sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  J.  S.  Kemper,  of  Dayton,  in 
the  summer  of  1856. 

About  this  time  Mrs.  James  Brookfield,  a  member  of  this 
church  died  and  left  by  will  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars 

16 


Pastor  1867-72. 
Rev.  Joshua  L.  Russell, 


Rev.  Joseph  W.  Clokey, 
Pastor  1873-78. 
Mr.  Ciokey  was  a  leader  in  the 
early   temperance  crusades. 

17 


to  the  church,  which  bequest  was  appropriated  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  church.  Mrs.  Brookfield  presented  to  the  church 
the  silver  baptismal  bowl  yet  in  use.  This  bowl  is  itself  an 
object  of  some  interest.  It  is  at  least  one  hundred  and  twen- 
ty-five years  old  and  bears  these  inscriptions : 

"The  Gift  of  Thomas  Villett 

to  Cornelius  Van  Scis, 

August,  1747  A.  D. 

Success  to  the  Brig  Fanny." 

"Presented  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  at 

Middletown,  Ohio, 

by  Mrs.  Brookfield, 

August  1st,  1845." 

And  thus  this  which  was  once  a  wine  bowl  for  revelry  upon 
the  high  seas,  is  now  a  quiet  vessel  in  the  Sanctuary  of  the 
Lord,  unlike  the  old  time  vessels  of  the  Lord  which  were 
taken  from  the  Temple  to  grace  the  Babylon  Bacchanals. 
Sometime  history,  instead  of  repeating,  reverses  itself. 

Rev.  Morton  continued  to  supply  the  church  until  April, 
1856,  when  he  was  a  second  time  called  to  be  its  pastor.  He 
accepted  the  call  and  Thursday,  April  29th,  was  appointed 
as  the  day  of  installation.  Rev.  J.  S.  Kemper  was  appointed 
to  preside  and  preach  the  sermon,  Rev.  J.  H.  Brooks  to  de- 
liver the  charge  to  the  pastor  and  Rev.  J.  Coe  to  the  people. 
Unavoidable  circumstances  prevented  the  installation  at  the 
appointed  time  and  the  service  was  held  October  3rd. 

During  these  three  years  (1853-1856)  five  elders  were 
added  to  the  session — Wm.  Mitchell  and  Dr.  Samuel  R. 
Evans  were  elected  February  19th,  1854 — Dr.  P.  Vander- 
veer,  Wm.  M.  Mills  and  Stephen  E.  Giffin  (the  latter  after- 
ward removed  to  Hamilton,  served  efficiently  in  the  Session 
of  that  church  for  years  and  died  in  1869) ,  were  elected  and 
ordained  in  February,  1856.  At  the  same  time  Messrs.  J. 
S.  Clark,  Peter  Butler  and  Solomon  Brock  were  elected  and 
ordained  deacons.  This  period  seems  to  have  been  charac- 
terized by  great  spiritual  activity,  and  may  almost  be  de- 
scribed a  continuous  revival.  Ninety  two  were  added  to  the 
church,  sixty-two  of  them  on  profession  of  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ.     From  this  time  until  the  spring  of  1865,  a  little 

18 


Our  Second  Church  Building. 
Erected  on  the  site  of  the  present  building,  northeast  corner  of 
Fourth  and  Main  Streets.    Dedicated,  1856.   The  material  in  this  build- 
ing was  used  in  the  construction  of  the  Oakland  Church  in  1892. 


19 


more  than  seven  years,  Mr.  Morton  continued  to  be  pastor 
of  the  church.  During  this  time  seventy-seven  were  added 
to  the  church.  Death  having  made  inroads  upon  the  Session 
and  some  members  having  removed,  in  November,  1861, 
David  Mumma  and  Horace  P.  Clough  vv^ere  elected  and  or- 
dained elders.  Also  in  March,  1864,  P.  P.  LaTourrette  and 
David  E.  Taylor  v^ere  elected,  but  Dr.  Taylor  declined  to 
serve. 

On  March  26th,  1865,  Mr.  Morton  resigned  the  pastor- 
ate. For  the  next  two  years,  from  June,  1865,  to  1867,  Rev. 
G.  I.  Taylor  served  the  church  as  stated  supply.  Nine  mem- 
bers w^ere  added  to  the  church.  Four  elders  and  five  dea- 
cons were  also  elected  in  April,  1866,  viz. :  Alexander  Ure, 
Thomas  Wilson,  J.  G.  Clarke  and  R.  K.  Mcllhenny,  elders ; 
John  Blair,  John  Kemp,  C.  B.  Johnson,  James  C.  King  and 
Langdon  Sheaff,  deacons. 

The  two  last  named  have  since  removed  from  the  bounds 
of  this  church,  Langdon  Sheaff  to  occupy  the  position  of  su- 
perintendent of  the  Y.  M.  C.  Association,  first  in  Cincinnati, 
and  afterward  in  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

THIRD  PERIOD  1867—1872. 

DURING  the  spring  of  1867  the  church  building  was  re- 
modeled and  greatly  improved  in  its  internal  arrange- 
ments. A  pipe  organ  was  purchased  and  set  up  in  a  recess 
constructed  for  it,  in  the  rear  of  the  pulpit. 

In  June,  1867,  a  unanimous  call  was  extended  to  Rev. 
Joshua  L.  Russell,  a  recent  graduate  of  Princeton  Theolog- 
ical Seminary  and  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  Miami. 
The  call  was  accepted  by  him,  and  on  the  16th  of  August 
following  he  was  ordained  and  installed  pastor  of  this 
church  by  the  appointment  of  Presbytery.  Rev.  T.  E. 
Thomas,  D.  D.,  of  Dayton,  preached  the  sermon.  Rev.  John 
B.  Morton,  of  Middletown,  presided  and  proposed  the  con- 
stitutional questions.  Rev.  E.  R.  Bower,  of  Springfield,  de- 
livered the  charge  to  the  pastor.  Rev.  H.  W.  Taylor,  of 
Franklin,  the  charge  to  the  people. 

The  church  about  this  time  seems  to  have  received  a 
baptism  of  the  spirit  of  zeal  and  energy  and  its  growth  in 
every  respect  was  constant  and  marked.     This  condition 

20 


continued  until  the  fall  of  1869  when  the  signs  of  earnest 
Christian  life  and  work  became  still  more  abundant.  The 
prayer  meeting  began  rapidly  to  increase  in  numbers.  The 
Sabbath  services  were  characterized  by  an  almost  painful 
solemnity.  The  attendance  on  the  preaching  of  the  word  in- 
creased till  every  available  spot  in  the  church  was  occupied. 
The  people  seemed  to  be  hungry  for  the  truth,  and  the  more 
purely  Jesus  Christ  and  Him  crucified  was  preached,  the  bet- 
ter did  they  appear  to  be  satisfied.  Daily  meetings  werr- 
appointed  and  largely  attended  for  weeks.  The  power  of 
God's  spirit  was  manifest.  The  members  of  the  church 
were  revived.  Impenitent  men  and  women  began  to  inquire 
into  their  personal  duties  and  obligations.  Deep  convictions 
succeeded;  sins  were  confessed,  pardon  was  sought,  peace 
was  found.  The  old  and  the  young  alike  felt  the  need  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Sabbath  after  Sabbath  newly  pardoned  souls 
confessed  Christ  in  the  presence  of  His  people  until  in  the 
three  months  succeeding  the  "Week  of  Prayer"  more  than 
one  hundred  had  been,  as  in  Pentecostal  days,  added  to  the 
Lord  and  to  His  Church.  In  nine  cases  both  heads  of  fami- 
lies came  together  to  profess  their  faith  in  Jesus  and  to  walk 
as  heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  Christ.  Verily  of  this  sea- 
son it  may  be  written  that  **He  brought  us  into  His  banquet- 
ing house  and  His  banner  over  us  was  love.  There  was  our 
mouth  filled  with  laughter  and  our  tongue  with  singing." 
The  influence  of  this  remarkable  revival  upon  the  life  and 
history  of  the  church  can  not  well  be  exaggerated.  It  estab- 
lished the  church  strongly.  It  inspired  it  with  hope  and 
courage.  It  infused  fresh  life  blood  into  it.  It  gave  the  peo- 
ple a  sense  of  the  divine  favor  and  implanted  a  spirit  which 
has  never  departed  since,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  continued 
accessions  that  marked  the  remainder  of  this  pastorate  and 
the  succeeding  one.  And  in  the  character  of  the  majority  of 
those  who  united  with  the  church  at  this  time  the  church 
was  especially  blessed.  They  were  chiefly  mature  men  and 
women,  and  their  incoming  gave  the  church  a  sense  of 
strength  which  has  made  her  like  a  strong  man  rejoicing  to 
run  a  race. 

In  April,  1869,  Charles  S.  Barnitz  and  John  Breeding 
were  elected  and  ordained  deacons. 

21 


On  the  29th  of  July,  1870,  this  church  celebrated  its 
"Semi-Centennial"  anniversary.  A  history  of  the  church 
was  read  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  J.  L.  Russell.  Addresses  were 
delivered  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Belleville  and  J.  B.  Morton,  also  by 
Rev.  T.  E.  Thomas,  D.  D.,  then  pastor  of  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Dayton,  Ohio.  Letters  were  read  from 
Rev.  George  I.  Taylor,  Alexander  Guy,  Wm.  Cassidy  and 
others  associated  with  the  church  as  ministers  or  members 
in  years  past.  Withal  it  was  a  most  profitable  occasion,  re- 
viving old  and  blessed  memories  of  divine  grace  and  provi- 
dence, stimulating  the  faith  of  God's  people  in  the  Covenant 
promises  of  God  and  implanting  hope  and  courage  for  the 
future. 

In  the  spring  of  1871  the  church  at  a  congregational 
meeting  by  a  full  and  fair  vote  adopted  the  plan  of  electing 
elders  and  deacons  for  the  limited  terms. 

During  the  summer  of  1871  a  preaching  post  was  estab- 
lished at  Jacksonburg,  a  village  six  miles  west  of  Middle- 
town.  A  number  of  persons  having  been  converted  under 
the  preaching  of  the  word,  and  others  who  in  former  years 
had  been  in  connection  with  some  evangelical  denomination, 
but  who  had  long  been  deprived  of  the  regular  means  of 
grace,  being  quickened  and  revived  spiritually,  it  was  felt  de- 
sirable that  a  church  should  be  organized  at  this  place.  Hence 
the  Presbytery  of  Dayton  was  petitioned  by  a  number  of 
persons,  who  pledged  themselves  to  become  members  of  such 
an  organization,  to  establish  a  Presbyterian  church  at  Jack- 
sonburg. The  petition  was  granted,  and  the  church  was 
organized.  The  church  at  Jacksonburg  was  very  justly  re- 
garded as  the  offspring  of  the  Middletown  church.  It  orig- 
inated in  the  labors  and  preaching  of  the  pastor  of  the  Mid- 
dletown church,  assisted  by  the  earnest  efforts  of  a  zealous 
and  faithful  Christian  band. 

In  the  month  of  September,  1872,  Rev.  J.  L.  Russell  was 
called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church,  of 
Dayton,  and  at  its  meeting  Presbytery,  in  the  same  month, 
translated  him  to  take  charge  of  the  Park  church. 

During  these  five  years  from  1867  to  1872  the  church  was 
greatly  strengthened.  It  grew  from  a  membership  of  one 
hundred  to  almost  three  hundred,  and  such  was  its  strength 

22 


not  only  numerically,  but  spiritually  and  socially,  that  it 
passed  easily  to  the  first  place  among  the  churches  in  the 
town. 

During  the  pastorate  about  seventy  members  were  re- 
ceived by  certificate,  one  hundred  and  thirty-one  on  exam- 
ination, thirty-six  infants  were  baptized  and  fifty-nine 
adults.  There  were  also  sixty  funerals  and  thirty-four  wed- 
dings at  which  the  pastor  officiated. 

FOURTH  PERIOD— 1870  TO  1919. 
We  have  in  our  church  today  as  one  of  our  most  active 
workers  and  faithful  attendants  a  distant  relative  of  our 
fir'st  pastor,  Rev.  Francis  Monfort.  Her  father  was  an  elder 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  forty-two  years  and  clerk  of 
the  Session  in  our  Church  for  about  thirty-six  years  of  the 
last  half  century.  No  doubt  very  frequently  the  work  of  the 
church  and  its  interests  were  the  subject  of  the  meal-time 
and  fireside  convei'sations  in  her  home.  For  these  reasons, 
as  well  as  because  of  her  ability  and  interest  in  the  work,  it 
is  only  fitting  and  proper  that  the  story  as  told  by  Mr.  Rus- 
sell should  be  continued  by  this  member,  Miss  Josephinf 
LaTourrette.    This  she  has  done  most  acceptably. 

FOR  a  period  of  seven  months  after  the  close  of  Rev.  J.  L. 
Russell's  labors  the  church  was  without  a  pastor.  At  the 
end  of  that  time,  on  April  22,  1873,  a  call  was  made  out  to 
Rev.  Joseph  W.  Clokey  to  become  its  pastor.  This  call  was 
immediately  accepted  by  him  and  his  labors  began  on  the 
first  Sabbath  of  May  of  that  year.  The  installation  services 
took  place  June  5,  1873.  Rev.  J.  H.  Montgomery,  of  the 
Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  of  Dayton,  Ohio, 
preached  the  sermon.  Rev.  J.  R.  Hughes,  of  the  Memorial 
Church,  of  Dayton,  presided  and  proposed  the  constitutional 
questions  and  delivered  the  charge  to  the  people.  Rev.  Sam- 
uel Findlay,  D.  D.,  of  the  New  Jersey  Church,  delivered  the 
charge  to  the  pastor. 

This  pastorate,  so  happily  begun,  continued  for  five  years 
when  Mr.  Clokey  was  released  July  3,  1878,  to  accept  a  call 
to  the  First  Church  of  New  Albany,  Indiana.  During  his 
ministry  here  our  church  was  blessed  by  two  gracious  out- 
pourings of  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  one  occurring  at  the  begin - 

23 


ring  of  the  year  1875  and  lasting  nearly  two  months;  the 
other  in  the  spring  of  1877  and  continuing  over  one  month. 
The  first  of  these  awakenings  was  remarkable  for  its  results 
among  the  adults ;  the  second,  for  its  results  among  the  chil- 
dren. 

The  attendance,  both  at  the  services  on  the  Sabbath  and 
at  prayer  meeting,  was  very  large,  averaging  on  Wednesday 
evening  no  less  than  100  the  year  round,  often  running  up 
to  140  and  150  persons. 

The  Young  People's  Association  grew  out  of  these  same 
awakenings,  having  a  membership  of  nearly  100  and  an 
average  attendance  of  50  and  often  running  up  to  70  and  80. 

The  statistics  of  this  pastorate  are:  Two  hundred  and 
twenty-seven  added  to  the  church,  156  being  admitted  by 
profession ;  of  these,  67  were  baptized ;  of  the  156,  79  were 
over  twenty  years  of  age,  29  were  over  forty  years  of  age, 
14  were  over  fifty  years  of  age,  3  between  seventy  and  eighty 
years,  1  was  over  eighty  years,  and  1  over  ninety  years.  At 
the  close  of  this  remarkable  pastorate  the  church  roll  num- 
bered 487  members. 

Mr.  Clokey  was  a  faithful  pastor,  popular  among  the 
young  people  and  well  liked  by  the  citizens  of  the  town.  He 
was  a  man  of  ability  and  of  strong  convictions,  prominent 
in  every  movement  for  the  betterment  of  Middletown  and 
very  active  in  the  Temperance  Crusade  which  occurred  dur- 
ing his  pastorate  here.  Mr.  Clokey  passed  away  August 
17,  1919.  He  had  been  busily  engaged  in  writing  reminis- 
cences for  this  centennial  celebration  when  he  was  suddenly 
stricken  with  the  illness  which  resulted  in  his  death. 

There  was  an  interim  of  a  few  months  after  Mr.  Clokey's 
labors  closed  during  which  all  the  services  of  the  church 
were  held  regularly.  Then  on  November  12,  1878,  a  con- 
gregational meeting  was  held  and  a  unanimous  call  was  ten- 
dered to  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Hench  to  become  pastor.  Mr. 
Hench  accepted  the  call,  and  on  December  8,  1878,  entered 
upon  his  work  here  as  pastor-elect. 

The  rotary  system  of  electing  the  Ruling  Elders  and 
Deacons  had  been  adopted  by  the  church  in  1871  during  Mr. 
Russell's  pastorate.  This  system  had  not  proved  satisfac- 
tory to  the  congregation,  neither  had  it  been  conducive  to 

24 


Rev.  Thomas  H.  Hench,  Pastor  1878-83. 

harmony  in  the  church,  so  at  a  congregational  meeting  held 
May,  1879,  it  was  almost  unanimously  resolved  that  the 
church  abolish  the  rotary  system  and  return  to  the  perma- 
nent system  of  office  bearers,  and  this  system  has  continued 
to  the  present  time.  The  elders  elected  at  this  time  were 
J.  W.  Hill,  Montgomery  Patton,  John  Blair,  Alexander  Ure, 
Alexander  Hill  and  P.  P.  LaTourrette.  The  deacons  elected 
were  James  B.  Hartley,  Dr.  C.  S.  Barnitz,  Wm.  Caldwell, 
James  McClellan  and  Dr.  I.  N.  Foote. 

This  period  of  unrest  and  dissatisfaction  greatly  embar- 
rassed the  pastor-elect  and  interfered  with  the  growth  and 
progress  of  the  work,  but  from  this  time  the  church  in- 
creased in  peace  and  harmony  during  his  stay  with  us.  His 
installation  having  been  deferred,  now  took  place  in  Octo- 
ber, 1879.  Rev.  W.  J.  McKnight,  of  Springfield,  preached 
the  sermon  and  presided ;  Dr.  W.  W.  Colmery,  of  Oxford,  de- 
livered the  charge  to  the  pastor,  and  Rev.  J.  H.  Montgomery, 
of  Dayton,  the  charge  to  the  people. 

Mr.  Hench  has  himself  testified  to  the  very  pleasant  and 
cordial  relations  existing  between  the  pastor  and  people  dur- 

25 


ing  the  settlement  of  the  matter  mentioned  above,  and  that 
every  one  respected  his  independent  and  impartial  position. 

After  the  restoration  of  harmony  in  the  church  there 
were  not  wanting  tokens  of  the  divine  blessing  on  the  church, 
especially  in  1882.  After  the  week  of  prayer  the  church  en- 
joyed a  season  of  awakening  which  resulted  in  the  addition 
of  more  than  36  persons  by  letter  and  on  confession  of  faith. 

During  the  summer  of  1881  the  congregation  expended 
over  $3,000  in  repairing  and  remodeling  the  church.  The 
pews  were  repainted  in  walnut,  walls  and  ceiling  were  fres- 
coed, stained  glass  windows  were  put  in,  new  carpets  were 
placed  on  the  floor,  a  walnut  pulpit  and  handsome  chairs 
were  placed  on  the  platform  and  the  organ  was  thoroughly 
repaired  and  the  pastor's  study  was  renovated  and  refur- 
nished. 

An  efi'ort  made  to  organize  a  missionary  society  during 
Mr.  Hench's  first  year  failed  because  of  opposition  and  lack 
of  a  general  missionary  spirit.  After  a  year  or  two  the  pas- 
tor's wife  succeeded  in  organizing  a  society.  She  also  or- 
ganized a  Mission  Band  in  her  Sabbath  School  class,  into 
which  one  or  two  other  classes  were  received. 

During  the  first  two  years  of  this  pastorate  there  was  an 
unusually  large  number  of  deaths  among  the  members  of 
the  church  and  congregation,  some  of  them  leading  persons 
in  the  church  and  community,  such  as  Mr.  George  Jacoby. 
Mr.  Thomas  Wilson,  Mr.  David  Mumma,  a  much  beloved 
elder  at  that  time,  Mrs.  Alexander  Hill  and  others. 

Mr.  Hench  was  a  man  of  pleasing  personality,  well  liked 
in  the  church  and  community,  a  spiritual  and  Godly  man,  a 
faithful  pastor,  who  felt  he  was  not  successful  in  doing  the 
Lord's  work  here,  and  so  at  his  own  request  the  pastoral  re- 
lation was  dissolved  by  Presbytery,  and  he  closed  his  pastor- 
ate here  on  Sabbath,  May  27,  1883. 

Rev.  John  Ballard  Morton,  for  twenty-one  years  stated 
supply  and  pastor  of  this  church,  died  on  the  31st  of  March, 
1882,  during  this  pastorate. 

After  the  termination  of  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Thomas 
H.  Hench,  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  different  ministers 
until  August  4,  1883,  when  at  a  congregational  meeting 
called  for  the  purpose  a  unanimous  call  was  tendered  Rev. 

26 


Heber  A.  Ketchum,  of  Portsmouth,  Ohio,  to  become  pastor. 
The  church  in  this  instance  departed  from  the  usual  custom 
in  calling  a  pastor,  as  Mr.  Ketchum  was  called  without  ever 
having  visited  the  church  and  without  even  being  personally 
known  except  to  a  very  few  of  the  members.  A  short  time 
after  receiving  the  call  he  visited  the  church,  spent  several 
days  here  and  occupied  the  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath  to  the  gen- 
eral satisfaction  of  the  congregation.  Being  well  satisfied 
himself,  he  in  due  time  accepted  the  call  and  made  prepara- 
tions for  moving  here.  When  he  made  application  to  Ports- 
mouth Presbytery  to  dissolve  his  pastorate  with  the  Second 
I*resbyterian  Church  at  Portsmouth,  that  church  protested 
so  strongly  against  it  that  Presbytery  declined  to  sever  the 
pastoral  relation.  This  was  a  sore  disappointment  to  our 
people. 

After  this  several  candidates  were  heard  without  satis- 
factory results,  when  on  November  15,  1883,  the  Session  act- 
ing upon  the  expressed  wishes  of  a  number  of  the  members 
employed  Rev.  Henry  B.  Elliott,  D.  D,,  to  supply  the  pulpit 
until  the  spring  meeting  of  Presbytery,  and  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  congregation  on  the  last  Saturday  in  March, 
1884,  the  Session  was  authorized  to  employ  Dr.  Henry  B.  El- 
liott for  six  months  longer  which  was  done. 

Mr.  Elliott  was  an  evangelical,  scholarly  and  able  minis- 
ter of  the  Gospel,  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  pastoral 
work  and  much  beloved  by  the  older  members  of  the  church. 

From  the  Sessional  Record  the  following  is  taken :  At  a 
congregational  meeting  September  18,  1884,  the  following 
paper  was  presented  and  unanimously  adopted  and  ordered 
to  be  spread  on  the  Sessional  Records :  "The  Rev.  H.  B.  Elli- 
ott, D.  D.,  having  signified  his  intention  of  retiring  from 
the  supply  of  our  pulpit  at  the  expiration  of  his  present  en- 
gagement with  us,  we  take  this  occasion  as  a  congregation 
to  express  our  entire  confidence  in  him  as  a  man  and  as  a 
Christian  minister  and  most  cordially  bear  testimony  to  the 
zeal  and  fidelity  with  which  he  has  served  our  church  for  the 
past  year,  as  well  as  to  his  rare  ability  as  an  expounder  of 
the  Word,  being  a  workman,  indeed,  that  needeth  not  to  be 
ashamed.  Our  prayers  and  good  wishes  will  follow  him  into 
whatever  field  his  future  lot  may  be  cast." 

27 


Rev.  Scott  F.  Hershey, 
Pastor  1884-87. 


Rev.  George  M.  McCampbell, 
Pastor  1890-95. 


28 


Dr.  Elliott  was  called  higher  just  about  a  year  ago,  dur- 
ing the  summer  of  1918,  in  New  York  City. 

Dr.  Elliott's  pastorate  closed  about  the  middle  of  October, 
1884,  after  which  several  candidates  were  heard,  but  no  one 
was  tendered  a  call. 

In  November  Rev.  Scott  F.  Hershey,  Ph.D.,  was  invited 
to  supply  us  for  a  Sabbath  or  two,  and  his  ministrations 
proving  so  acceptable  to  the  congregation,  he  was,  on  the 
17th  day  of  December,  1884,  employed  as  stated  supply  to 
the  1st  of  April,  1885.  Mr.  Hershey  was  at  that  time  a 
member  of  the  Lancaster  (Ohio)  Classis  of  the  Reformed 
German  Church. 

Mr.  Hershey  was  employed  with  the  understanding  that 
ihe  privilege  of  hearing  other  candidates  during  the  time  be 
reserved.  April  1st,  the  Session  being  satisfied  it  was  the 
desire  of  the  congregation  that  the  labors  of  Mr.  Hershey 
be  continued  as  stated  supply  of  the  church,  entered  into  an 
agreement  with  him  to  supply  us  for  six  months  more  or 
until  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery,  with  the  understanding 
that  it  be  continued  for  one  year  from  that  time  with  ap- 
proval of  Presbytery. 

From  the  beginning  Mr.  Hershey's  ministrations  were 
well  received.  The  attendance  at  both  the  Sabbath  services 
largely  increased  and  continued  to  increase,  as  did  the 
Wednesday  evening  prayer  meetings.  While  there  was  no 
great  religious  awakening  there  were  steady  accessions  to 
the  church.  No  communion  season  passed  without  additions 
to  the  church.  There  were  more  than  one  hundred  and  five 
new  members  received,  most  of  them  being  young  people,  as 
Mr.  Hershey  and  his  wife  were  both  very  popular  among  the 
young  people,  and  as  a  result  they  steadily  increased  in  num- 
bers at  all  the  church  services. 

Mrs.  Hershey  organized  a  class  of  young  men,  beginning 
v/ith  one  member,  and  increasing  to  thirty  or  more,  most  of 
whom  were  from  outside  the  church.  She  also  took  great  in- 
terest in  the  Mission  Band  of  Willing  Workers  which,  quot- 
ing from  the  church  narrative,  raised  $115.00  in  one  year, 
$25.00  of  which  was  contributed  toward  a  scholarship  in 
Alaska.     The  Woman's  Society  and  the  Home  and  Foreign 

29' 


Missionary  Societies  also  became  more  active.     In  fact,  all 
branches  of  church  work  showed  renewed  activity. 

The  church  built  and  equipped  a  substantial  manse  ad- 
joining the  church  at  a  cost  of  about  $5,041,  which  was  pro- 
vided for,  and  our  church  was  entirely  free  from  debt  at  the 
close  of  Mr.  Hershey's  labors,  and  seemed  in  a  prosperous 
condition.  On  September  25,  1887,  Mr.  Hershey's  work 
among  us  ceased,  he  having  accepted  a  call  to  the  Sixth  Pres- 
byterian Church  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Mr.  Alexander  Hill,  an  honored  member  of  the  Session, 
and  Mrs.  Caroline  Corson,  wife  of  Dr.  John  Corson,  died 
during  this  pastorate. 

The  regular  services  of  the  church  continued  after  Mr. 
Hershey  closed  his  work  here,  different  ministers  preaching 
for  us,  until  on  March  20,  1888,  a  hearty  and  unanimous  call 
was  given  to  the  Rev.  W.  J.  McConkey,  of  Grove  City,  Pa., 
to  become  pastor.  After  due  deliberation,  Mr.  McConkey 
declined  to  accept  the  call. 

At  a  congregational  meeting  held  on  June  18,  1888,  Rev. 
J.  M.  Simonton,  of  Danville,  Pa.,  was  voted  a  unanimous  call 
to  become  pastor  of  this  church.  Mr.  Simonton  accepted  the 
call  and  entered  upon  his  work  as  pastor-elect  September  2, 
1888.  On  October  16,  1888,  he  was  duly  installed  as  pastor 
of  the  church.  Rev.  W.  A.  Hutchison  preached  the  sermon, 
presided  and  propounded  the  constitutional  questions.  Rev. 
G.  W.  Gowdy,  of  the  New  Jersey  Church,  delivered  the 
charge  to  the  people,  and  Rev.  S.  S.  Cryer,  of  the  Cincinnati 
Presbytery,  gave  the  charge  to  the  pastor. 

There  was  no  marked  spiritual  awakening  during  Mr.  Si- 
monton's  pastorate,  yet  there  was  a  steady  increase  in  the 
membership.  At  nearly  every  meeting  of  the  Session  and  at 
every  communion  there  were  accessions  to  the  church,  both 
on  confession  of  faith  and  by  letter. 

The  church  services  both  on  the  Sabbath  and  on  Wednes- 
day evenings  were  well  attended.  The  statement  is  made 
that  at  this  time  one-fifth  of  the  membership  attended 
prayer  meeting.  The  Sabbath  School,  although  it  did  not 
increase  in  members,  did  not  materially  decrease. 

A  committee  of  six  ladies  was  appointed  at  this  time  to 
look  after  and  show  due  attention  to  any  Presbyterian  fam- 

30 


ilies  who  might  move  into  this  city.  This  committee  was  to 
serve  for  six  months  and  consisted  of  the  following  ladies : 
Mrs.  Montgomery  Patton,  Mrs.  C.  S.  Barnitz,  Mrs.  Dr.  Mc- 
Clellan,  Mrs.  C.  B.  Oglesby,  Miss  Lou  Hilt  and  Mrs.  Joseph 
Shafor. 

Mr.  J.  K.  Thomas,  who  for  many  years  had  been  the  effi- 
cient chorister  of  the  church  and  Sabbath  School,  tendered 
his  resignation  to  the  Session  March  6,  1889.  In  accepting 
his  resignation  the  Session  unanimously  adopted  the  follow- 
ing resolutions : 

"Whereas,  Mr.  J.  K.  Thomas  has  tendered  his  resigna- 
tion as  chorister  of  this  church ;  and,  whereas,  his  services 
for  these  many  years  in  this  capacity  have  been  most  faith- 
ful, his  management  wise  and  efficient, 

"Resolved,  That  the  resignation  of  Brother  Thomas  be 
accepted  and  that  in  its  acceptance  we  would  accord  to  him 
our  due  appreciation  for  his  valuable  and  gratuitous  serv- 
ices ;  and, 

"Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  entered  on 
the  records  of  the  church  and  that  it  be  read  at  the  next  an- 
nual meeting  of  the  congregation." 

On  February  11,  1890,  Mr.  Montgomery  Patton,  an  hon- 
ored member  of  the  Session,  passed  away. 

Mr.  Simonton,  having  previously  resigned  on  November 
12,  1890,  at  his  request  a  meeting  of  the  congregation  was 
called.  Having  received  a  call  to  the  Third  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  which  he  had  decided  to  accept, 
he  wished  the  congregation  to  join  with  him  in  asking  the 
Presbytery  of  Dayton  to  dissolve  the  existing  pastoral  rela- 
tion.   With  regret  his  request  was  complied  with. 

The  pastoral  relation  between  Rev.  J.  M.  Simonton  and 
this  church  was  dissolved  November  17,  1890,  and  his  minis- 
try closed  on  Sabbath,  November  23,  1890,  and  we  were 
again  without  a  pastor. 

Mr.  Simonton  was  a  kind,  genial  man,  a  faithful  pastor, 
a  man  of  spotless  and  consistent  Christian  character. 

After  an  interim  of  a  little  over  two  months,  on  Febru- 
ary 7,  1891,  Rev.  George  M.  McCampbell,  of  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  Stapleton,  Long  Island,  was  tendered  a 
call  to  the  pastorate  of  this  church.    The  call  was  accepted, 

31 


and  on  February  22,  1891,  he  entered  upon  his  duties  here 
as  pastor-elect. 

On  May  22,  1891,  Rev.  G.  M.  McCampbell  was  duly  in- 
stalled as  pastor  of  this  church.  Rev.  George  E.  Gowdy, 
Moderator  of  Dayton  Presbytery,  presided  and  propounded 
the  constitutional  questions.  Dr.  J.  H.  Hutchinson,  of  Jef- 
fersonville,  Indiana,  preached  the  sermon,  Rev.  Edgar  W. 
Work,  D.  D.,  gave  the  charge  to  the  pastor,  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Willetts  the  charge  to  the  people. 

When  Mr.  McCampbell  began  his  work  the  outlook  was 
very  encouraging.  The  congregation  at  the  Sabbath  serv- 
ices steadily  increased  in  numbers,  and  there  was  a  marked 
improvement  in  the  attendance  of  the  young  people  at  those 
services.  A  large  increase  in  the  enrollment  and  average 
attendance  of  the  Sabbath  School  was  noticed,  much  beyond 
that  of  any  former  year.  The  same  increase  was  noted  in 
the  Wednesday  evening  prayer  meeting. 

The  Women's  Societies  were  reorganized  and  were  now 
working  under  the  same  plan  as  they  had  several  years  pre- 
vious, when  they  had  done  such  efficient  work. 

Mr.  McCampbell  adopted  a  systematic  plan  of  house-to- 
house  visiting,  and  so  kept  in  touch  with  his  people.  A  spirit 
of  harmony  prevailed  and  the  church  seemed  in  a  prosperous 
condition. 

At  the  annual  business  meeting  of  the  congregation, 
April  4,  1891,  it  was  decided  to  proceed  in  the  erection  of  a 
new  church  edifice.  This  was  a  dream  of  years  and  was 
now  about  to  become  a  reality.  Over  $25,000  was  reported 
to  have  been  subscribed  at  that  time  for  that  purpose.  A 
building  committee  of  fifteen  was  appointed,  consisting  of 
the  following  persons :  Theodore  Marston,  Wm.  Caldwell,  C. 

B.  Oglesby,  J.  B.  Hartley,  Jos.  Iseminger,  C.  B.  Johnson,  J. 
K.  Thomas,  Dr.  C.  S.  Barnitz,  Charles  E.  Margerum,  George 

C.  Jacoby,  Murray  Schenck,  E.  McCallay,  H.  P.  Leibee,  Dr. 
Samuel  McClellan  and  P.  P.  LaTourrette.  Full  powers  were 
delegated  to  this  committee  to  select  a  site,  adopt  a  plan  of 
building  and  to  secure  further  subscriptions. 

On  July  29,  1891,  a  congregational  meeting  was  held  to 
authorize  this  building  committee,  if  the  way  be  clear,  to  dis- 
pose of  the  present  church  site,  excepting  the  parsonage. 

32 


After  a  free  discussion  of  the  matter  the  congregation  de- 
cided by  a  large  majority  to  authorize  the  trustees  and  build- 
ing committee  to  dispose  of  the  present  site.  They  were  also 
given  the  power  and  authorized  to  procure  another  site  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  church  building. 

In  July  of  this  year  (1891)  a  meeting  of  the  officers  of 
the  church  was  held  to  consider  the  advisability  of  holding 
outdoor  religious  services  in  Oakland  Place,  at  that  time  a 
suburb  of  Middletown,  as  well  as  to  conduct  a  weekly  prayer 
meeting  at  private  houses  in  that  locality.  It  was  decided 
that  the  pastor  hold  such  out-door  services  during  the  time 
the  weather  would  permit  and  also  conduct  the  weekly 
prayer  meetings.  A  committee  consisting  of  Wm.  Caldwell, 
C.  S.  Barnitz  and  J.  W.  Hill  was  authorized  to  erect  the  nec- 
essary seats  and  platform,  as  well  as  to  obtain  the  permis- 
sion of  the  owner  of  the  ground  to  use  the  same  for  this  pur- 
pose. This  movement  resulted  eventually  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Oakland  Presbyterian  Church. 

In  August,  1891,  it  is  recorded  that  Messrs.  C.  B.  John- 
son, William  Caldwell,  Theodore  Marston,  George  C.  Bar- 
nitz, James  K.  Thomas  and  Mrs.  Rachel  Magee,  the  last- 
named  being  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
had  contributed  six  hundred  dollars  and  purchased  two  lots 
on  the  corner  of  Woodlawn  and  Garfield  Avenues,  in  Oak- 
land Subdivision,  of  the  City  of  Middletown,  Ohio,  and  that 
these  persons  had  donated  the  same  to  the  First  Presbyte- 
rian Church  of  Middletown  for  the  purpose  of  erecting 
thereon  a  chapel,  or  church,  to  be  under  the  control  of  the 
trustees  of  the  First  Church  until  such  time  as  the  said 
church  and  congregation  to  be  organized  shall  become  self- 
sustaining.  When  the  same  shall  be  self-sustaining  the 
donors  desired  that  the  lots  be  transferred  by  the  trustees 
of  the  First  Church  to  the  trustees  of  the  new  church.  The 
records  state  that  this  enterprise  has  had  the  support  of 
many  other  persons,  among  whom  were  John  L.  Blair,  Wil- 
liam McLean,  Charles  B.  Oglesby,  Dr.  Samuel  McClellan, 
Mr.  John  W.  Hill,  Mrs.  Jeanette  Crawford,  Mrs.  Joseph 
Thum,  Mrs.  George  Swainey,  Sarah  Beard  and,  at  a  later 
date,  Mr.  A.  L.  Foster. 

At   the   annual     congregational   meeting   of   the   First 

34 


Church,  April  6,  1892,  a  resolution  was  introduced  asking- 
the  congregation  to  donate  the  material  in  the  old  church 
building,  or  so  much  of  the  same  as  could  be  utilized  for  that 
purpose,  together  with  all  the  furniture  in  it  except  the  mu- 
sical instruments  and  the  chairs,  for  the  purpose  of  build- 
ing and  furnishing  a  church  or  chapel  on  the  lots  above  re- 
ferred to.  After  discussion  the  congregation  voted  in  the 
affirmative. 

During  this  year  the  Oakland  Church  was  completed  and 
regular  services  were  held  with  large  congregations,  espe- 
cially on  Sabbath  evenings.  A  weekly  prayer  meeting  was 
held.  A  committee  from  the  First  Church,  consisting  of 
Elders  Marston,  Evans  and  LaTourrette,  was  appointed  to 
organize  a  Sabbath  School,  which  was  done  February  19, 
1893,  with  a  very  promising  outlook  for  its  future  growth 
and  prosperity  as  86  names  were  enrolled  as  members  of  the 
school.  Mr.  John  L.  Blair  was  elected  Superintendent.  A 
Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  was  also  organized.  The  ex- 
penses of  this  church  were  borne  by  members  of  the  First 
Church.  These  were  busy  times  for  the  First  Church  with 
the  building  of  two  churches  on  at  the  same  time. 

It  was  finally  decided  by  the  building  committee  of  fifteen 
to  erect  the  new  church  on  the  old  site.  There  was  some  ob- 
jection to  a  new  site,  and  many  were  in  favor  of  using  the 
old  one,  largely  through  sentiment.  So  the  work  was  begun, 
and  on  Saturday,  November  5,  1892,  at  3:00  P.  M.,  the  cor- 
ner-stone was  laid  with  impressive  ceremonies,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  a  large  gathering  of  people.  The  program  on  this 
occasion  was  as  follows : 

Hymn "With  Joy  We  Lift  Our  Eyes" 

Scripture  Lesson   Psalm  87 

Hymn "I  Love  Thy  Kingdom,  Lord" 

Responsive  Reading. 

Repetition  of  the  Creed. 

Placing  of  the  Box. 

Prayer. 

Laying  of  the  Corner-Stone. 

Hymn "Christ  Is  Our  Corner-Stone" 

Doxology. 
Benediction. 

35 


Mr.  Alexander  Ure,  another  of  our  honored  elders,  died 
November  21,  1892.  Because  of  the  death  of  three  of  the 
elders  in  a  short  time,  it  was  deemed  necessary  to  elect  three 
others.  At  the  annual  meeting,  April  5,  1893,  this  election 
was  held  and  resulted  in  the  choice  of  J.  K.  Thomas,  George 
N.  Clapp  and  Joseph  W.  Shafor.  The  last  two  mentioned 
are  members  of  the  Session  today.  On  April  16  Mr.  Thomas 
and  Mr.  Shafor  were  ordained  and  installed  as  Ruling 
Elders.  Mr.  Clapp,  having  been  ordained  in  another  church, 
was  duly  installed  in  this  church.  At  this  service  the  pastor 
preached  a  sermon  on  the  office  and  duties  of  Ruling  Elders 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  Session  also  decided  to  abolish  the  choir  for  reasons 
deemed  wise,  and  Mr.  C.  S.  Stanage  who  had  been  the 
leader  of  the  choir  was  asked  to  act  as  precentor.  He  con- 
sented and  acted  in  this  capacity  for  some  time. 

On  suggestion  of  Mr.  McCampbell,  the  Session  unani- 
mously decided  to  adopt  the  systematic  plan  of  benevolence 
for  raising  money  for  the  different  boards  of  the  church  by 
the  distribution  of  envelopes,  and  the  pastor  was  appointed  a 
committee  to  carry  the  same  into  effect.  Also  a  general  visita- 
tion of  the  families  of  the  church  by  the  pastor  and  one  of 
the  elders  was  arranged  for.  A  short  time  after  this  the 
names  of  the  members  of  the  church  were  apportioned 
among  the  elders,  and  they  were  expected  to  visit  the  mem- 
bers on  their  list  at  least  twice  each  year  and  give  a  verbal 
report  at  the  monthly  meetings  of  the  Session  and  a  written 
report  at  the  end  of  every  six  months. 

When  the  old  church  was  being  dismantled  and  torn 
down  the  Methodists,  having  built  a  new  church  between 
Fourth  and  Fifth  streets,  on  Broadway,  offered  us  the  use 
of  their  old  church  on  Broadway,  a  few  doors  north  of  Third 
street,  for  a  stated  sum,  and  all  services  of  the  First  Church 
were  held  there  for  some  time.  The  work  on  the  new  build- 
ing was  progressing  favorably,  and  when  it  was  nearing 
completion  it  became  necessary  to  determine  who  should 
have  the  authority  to  decide  what  decorations  and  furni- 
ture should  be  permitted  in  the  new  church  edifice.  A  meet- 
ing of  all  the  officers  of  the  church  was  called  to  decide  this 
question.    Mr.  J.  K.  Thomas  was  made  chairman  and  P.  P. 

36 


Rev.  Thomas  M.  Scott, 
Pastor  1896-1900. 


Rev.  W.   Hamill  Shields, 
Pastor   1900-10. 


37 


LaTourrette  clerk.  On  motion  it  was  resolved  that  hereafter 
the  Woman's  Society  of  the  church  be  given  the  authority  to 
decide  what  decorations  and  furniture  should  be  allowed, 
and  said  Society  was  further  given  full  control  of  the  parlor 
and  kitchen  furniture. 

In  the  summer  of  1893  we  began  to  use  the  lecture  room 
of  the  new  church,  and  hoped  to  have  the  main  audience 
room  completed  in  the  near  future. 

In  the  meantime  the  spiritual  growth  of  the  church  was 
encouraging.  The  regular  services  were  held  as  usual,  at 
times  with  many  discomforts.  As  a  result  of  the  extreme? 
depression  in  business  matters,  there  had  been  a  falling  off 
in  giving.  Our  mission  school  in  the  Oakland  Church  con- 
tinued to  grow.  The  Woman's  Society  was  very  active  in 
furnishing  the  new  church  and  deserved  great  praise.  The 
membership  of  the  church  was  423  and  of  the  Sabbath 
School  410. 

In  December,  1894,  several  members  of  the  church  en- 
tered into  an  agreement  with  Rev.  Henry  E.  Neff  to  supply 
the  Oakland  Church  at  their  own  expense.  This  met  with 
the  approval  of  Session. 

Rev.  Mr.  Neff's  pastorate  began  in  January,  1895,  and 
proved  so  successful  that  a  petition  was  presented  to  the 
Dayton  Presbytery  at  its  April  meeting  of  that  year  pray- 
ing for  the  organization  of  a  church  in  the  Oakland  field. 
This  prayer  was  granted  and  the  organization  was  com- 
pleted on  April  18,  1895.  At  this  time  forty  persons  pre- 
sented themselves  for  membership  and  were  received.  Mr. 
John  W.  Hill  and  Mr.  John  L.  Blair  were  elected  elders  and 
were  duly  inducted  into  office. 

In  the  church  narrative  for  the  year  ending  March  31, 
1895,  we  find  much  praise  given  the  diff'erent  societies  of  the 
church.  The  Woman's  Missionary  Society  was  commended 
for  the  noble  work  done.  The  Senior  and  Junior  Endeavor 
Societies  had  been  very  active,  as  had  also  the  King's  Daugh- 
ters, and  each  of  these  organizations  had  done  much  good. 
The  Woman's  Society  deserved  special  praise  for  the  grand 
work  accomplished.  It  had  raised  more  money  than  in  any 
former  year,  had  managed  its  affairs  with  signal  ability  and 
the  building  committee  was  greatly  indebted,  not  only  to  this 

38 


Society,  but  also  to  the  Senior  and  Junior  Christian  Endeav- 
ors, and  to  several  classes  in  the  Sabbath  School  for  the  ma- 
terial financial  aid  afforded  toward  lifting  the  debt  on  the 
new  church  building. 

In  May,  1895,  is  recorded  the  death  of  James  Crawford, 
who  for  many  years  had  been  a  faithful  worker  in  the  church 
and  especially  in  the  Sunday  School. 

The  new  church  building  was  entirely  completed  and  it 
was  expected  to  begin  to  occupy  the  auditorium  permanently 
on  Easter  Sabbath,  1895.  The  session  appointed  Dr.  C.  S. 
Barnitz  chief  usher,  with  a  corps  of  assistants. 

Articles  of  Incorporation  for  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  were  taken  out  in  October,  1895. 

The  pastoral  relations  existing  between  Rev.  G.  M.  Mc- 
Campbell  and  this  church  were  dissolved  by  Presbytery  Oc- 
tober 14,  1895. 

In  the  Sessional  Records  of  April  26,  1891,  during  this 
pastorate,  mention  is  made  of  the  death  of  Mrs.  Susan  Pat- 
ton,  a  devoted,  faithful  and  most  conscientious  member  of 
this  church,  never  absent  from  a  service  unless  unavoidably 
detained.  The  session  wished  to  place  on  record  their  sense 
of  loss  and  bereavement,  not  only  as  representatives  of  the 
church  and  congregation  of  which  she  was  so  long  a  faithful 
member,  but  also  of  her  large  circle  of  friends  among  whom 
she  was  a  recognized  example  of  "whatsoever  things  are 
lovely  and  of  good  report,"  and  to  express  their  apprecia- 
tion for  her  liberal  gifts  to  the  church. 

For  nearly  a  year  after  the  close  of  Mr,  McCampbell's 
pastorate  the  pulpit  was  vacant.  Several  times  meetings 
of  the  congregation  were  called  for  the  purpose  of  calling  a 
pastor,  but  the  way  did  not  seem  to  be  clear  until  on  August 
16,  1896,  a  meeting  was  held  which  resulted  in  a  unanimous 
call  being  made  out  to  Rev.  Thomas  Smith  Scott,  D.  D.,  to 
become  the  pastor. 

Mr.  Scott  accepted,  and  on  October  4,  1896,  entered  upon 
his  duties  here  as  pastor-elect.  On  November  16,  1896,  he 
was  installed  as  pastor.  Rev.  T.  M.  Hillman,  Moderator  of 
Presbytery,  presided  and  propounded  the  constitutional 
questions ;  Dr.  Maurice  E.  Wilson,  of  Dayton,  preached  the 
sermon ;  Dr.  E.  W.  Work  charged  the  pastor ;  and  Dr.  W.  0. 

39 


Thompson,  President  of  Miami  University,  charged  the  con- 
gregation. 

When  Mr.  Scott  took  charge  of  the  church  it  was  not 
very  prosperous  spiritually,  although  the  pulpit  had  been 
regularly  supplied  while  we  were  without  a  pastor,  but  his 
first  year  among  us  was  marked  by  increasing  peace  and 
harmony,  also  by  an  encouraging  advance  in  all  lines  of 
Christian  work.  Five  services  were  regularly  held  on  the 
Sabbath — preaching  morning  and  evening.  Sabbath  School 
and  Senior  and  Junior  Endeavor.  New  life  and  vigor  seem 
to  have  been  infused  in  them  as  shown  by  the  increased 
number  in  attendance  at  these  services,  as  well  as  at  the 
Wednesday  evening  meeting,  so  that  the  outlook  at  the  end 
of  that  year  had  much  of  encouragement  in  it.  The  King's 
Daughters,  the  Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  So- 
ciety and  the  Woman's  Society  were  deserving  of  much 
praise  for  their  zeal  and  for  the  good  they  accomplished. 
The  financial  obligations  of  the  church  were  met  with 
promptness.  The  number  of  communicants  was  358.  The 
Senior  Christian  Endeavor  paid  $500  toward  the  church 
debt  this  year,  1896-7. 

On  January  16,  1898,  Dr.  S.  R.  Evans,  senior  elder,  the 
oldest  male  member  of  the  church,  and  a  man  highly  es- 
teemed by  all,  was  suddenly  called  to  his  reward. 

During  the  year  ending  April  6,  1898,  besides  Dr.  S.  R. 
Evans,  a  number  of  the  older  members  died,  among  them 
being  Jacob  Banker,  Mrs,  Mary  Puis,  Mrs.  Christian  Cald- 
well, Mrs.  Elizabeth  Breeding  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  La  Tour- 
rette. 

At  the  annual  congregational  meeting  of  the  congrega- 
tion, April  4,  1900,  after  the  reports  of  the  Treasurer  and 
of  the  different  societies  were  read,  we  find  that  a  hearty 
vote  of  thanks  was  tendered  Wm.  Caldwell,  Treasurer  of  the 
Church,  as  well  as  to  the  Women's  Societies  for  their  effi- 
ciency and  their  fidelity  to  their  respective  duties  during  the 
year. 

In  the  narrative  for  the  year  ending  April  1,  1900,  it  is 
recorded  that  the  pastor  had  been  faithful  in  performing 
his  duties,  preaching  the  Word  in  season;  that  the  Gospel 
had  been  the  theme  which  had  been  constantly  set  forth; 

40 


■m 


Our  present  Church  Home,  Erected  1891-2. 


that  earnest  work  had  been  done,  and  that  it  would  bring 
its  harvest,  for  God  had  so  promised. 

Mr.  Scott  having  previously  announced  his  intention 
to  resign  as  pastor,  requested  at  the  annual  meeting  that  the 
congregation  unite  with  him  in  his  application  to  Presbytery 
to  release  him.  By  a  rising  vote  the  congregation  resolved  to 
concur  with  him  in  his  request. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Dayton,  held  April 
10,  1900,  the  pastoral  relation  existing  between  Dr.  T.  S. 
Scott  and  this  church  was  dissolved  by  mutual  consent  and 
his  labors  ceased  here  May  13,  1900.  For  nearly  four  months 
thereafter  we  were  without  a  pastor,  but  we  had  occasional 
preaching  by  different  ministers. 

Dr.  Scott  was  a  faithful  pastor,  a  true  friend  and  an  hon- 
ored and  respected  citizen.  His  pastorate  labors  here  closed 
May  13,  1900. 

On  Sabbath,  September  2,  1900,  Rev.  W.  Hamill  Shields, 
of  Detroit,  Michigan,  began  his  ministry  here  as  stated  sup- 
ply under  very  favorable  auspices.  When  Mr.  Shields  en- 
tered upon  his  pastorate  there  was  a  debt  of  between  seven 
and  eight  thousand  dollars  on  the  church  property.  This 
debt  was  paid  during  his  first  year  here  and  the  mortgage 
cancelled,  for  which  Mr.  Shields  and  the  contributors  to  that 
fund  deserve  great  credit  and  praise  for  their  liberality. 

March  9,  1901,  the  Session  resolved  to  hold  the  annual 
meeting  April  3,  1901,  and  that  if  the  way  be  clear  to  elect  a 
pastor,  and  at  the  same  meeting,  the  mortgage  upon  the 
church  property  having  been  satisfied,  it  was  resolved  that 
the  dedication  of  the  church  be  held  on  the  second  Sabbath 
of  May,  the  12th.  A  committee  of  five  was  appointed,  con- 
sisting of  three  elders,  Marston,  Thomas  and  Clapp,  and  two 
deacons,  Caldwell  and  Barnitz,  to  prepare  a  program  for 
that  event.     Mr.  Shields  was  to  act  with  these  gentlemen. 

On  April  3,  1901,  Mr.  Shields  was  given  a  hearty  and 
unanimous  call  to  become  pastor  of  this  church.  He  ac- 
cepted this  call  and  on  April  18,  1901,  was  installed  as  pas- 
tor. Rev.  J.  G.  Black  preached  the  sermon.  Rev.  G.  E. 
Thompson  delivered  the  charge  to  the  pastor  and  Rev.  Ed- 
gar W.  Work,  D.  D.,  of  Dayton,  delivered  the  charge  to  the 
people.    The  services  throughout  were  very  interesting. 

42 


On  April  1,  1901,  the  report  for  the  year  gave  the  follow- 
ing statistics : 

Whole  number  of  communicants 363 

Sabbath   School  enrollment 197 

Contributed  to  Home  Missions $161.16 

Contributed  to  Foreign  Missions 93 .  85 

It  must  be  remembered  that  throughout  this  part  of  our 
story  the  items  of  expenses  and  benevolences  given  are  only 
those  which  were  paid  directly  through  the  Church  treas- 
ury and  not  through  the  societies  and  organizations  of  the 
Church.  From  time  to  time  within  the  last  few  years  dif- 
ferent methods  have  been  followed  for  meeting  the  obliga- 
tions of  the  Church  and  its  organizations  and  consequently 
the  statistics  are  not  always  comparable. 

On  May  12,  1901,  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  was 
dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God,  free  from  debt, 
with  intensely  interesting  services.  Rev.  W.  O.  Thompson, 
D.  D.,  President  of  Ohio  State  University,  preached  the  ser- 
mon, and  an  appropriate  program  of  responsive  readings 
and  music  was  given.  The  prayer  of  dedication  was  made 
by  the  pastor.  Rev.  W.  H.  Shields.  The  ministers  of  the 
ether  churches  were  present  and  took  part  in  the  services. 
A  very  large  and  interested  congregation  was  present. 

During  the  year  ending  April  1,  1902,  we  find  reported 
as  items  of  interest  that  the  pastor  made  600  pastoral  calls ; 
during  this  year  the  membership  was  404 ;  that  61  members 
were  received,  31  on  confession  of  faith,  24  of  whom  were 
from  the  Sabbath  School ;  that  Mrs.  Margaret  Suydam,  one 
of  the  oldest  members,  was  called  home  after  but  a  brief  ill- 
ness. Her  love  for  the  church  has  been  shown  in  her  be- 
queathing her  estate  to  it,  to  be  used  for  the  glory  of  God. 
We  find  it  reported  also  "that  the  passing  away  of  Mr.  James 
B.  Hartley,  one  of  the  oldest  members  and  a  deacon  for  many 
years,  leaves  many  with  a  sense  of  personal  loss.  He  was  a 
good  man,  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  His  works  will 
follow  him  and  his  memory  will  remain  fragrant  so  long  as 
we  ourselves  shall  endure."  Also  Mr.  Charles  Barnitz,  son 
of  Dr.  C.  S.  Barnitz,  one  of  our  members  who  served  in  the 
Spanish-American  war,  died  on  the  very  eve  of  his  return 

43 


home  from  the  Philippines.    It  is  a  glorious  thing  to  die  at 
the  post  of  honor  and  duty. 

On  April  20,  1902,  W.  H.  Johnson  and  A.  L.  Foster  were 
ordained  and  installed  as  deacons. 

On  April  1,  1903,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Session  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  solicit  funds  for  the  Foreign  Missionary 
Board  to  increase  the  amount  already  contributed  to  enable 
our  church  to  have  its  own  Missionary  in  the  foreign  field. 
This  was  a  great  movement  for  our  church  to  take,  and  one 
that  not  only  blessed  ourselves,  but  was  an  example  and  in- 
spiration for  others  to  follow.  It  was  a  forward  step  in  the 
Kingdom  of  God.  The  year  ending  March  31,  1903,  had 
been  a  year  of  blessing  in  spiritual  things.  The  church,  gave 
to  all  the  benevolent  interests  at  home  and  abroad  a  total  of 
$1,126.00,  and  now  the  new  church  year  was  to  begin  by 
the  adoption  of  this  new  movement  which  was  a  success. 
All  of  the  societies  of  the  church  received  the  same  spiritual 
blessing.  Thirty-six  members  were  added  to  the  church  this 
year. 

When  the  church  year  closed  March  31,  1904,  163  new 
members  had  been  added  to  the  church  since  Mr.  Shields  had 
become  our  pastor.  The  church  was  still  prospering  spir- 
itually and  financially.  To  the  Boards  of  the  Church  and 
other  benevolences  $1,234.00  had  been  contributed.  This 
includes  the  paying  of  $450.00  in  salary  to  our  foreign  pas- 
tor. Rev.  A.  E.  Street,  of  Hainan,  China.  This  was  the  re- 
sult of  the  movement  begun  in  1903.  The  Sabbath  School 
gave  $50.00  that  year  toward  the  support  of  a  Home  Mis- 
sionary in  the  South.  During  this  year  Mr.  John  D.  Breed- 
ing, one  of  the  oldest  members,  passed  away. 

On  March  3,  1904,  Mr.  W.  K.  Rhonemous  was  elected 
elder,  and  on  December  4,  1904,  he  was  ordained  and  in- 
stalled by  the  pastor  in  the  presence  of  a  very  large  congre- 
gation. On  September  1,  1904,  the  Sabbath  School  was 
changed  to  the  morning,  being  held  just  before  the  church 
services.  This  made  a  marked  increase  in  the  morning  con- 
gregation. The  evening  services  were  largely  attended,  and 
at  some  of  the  special  services  the  auditorium  was  filled. 
This  year  of  1904-05  was  a  happy  and  successful  one.  The 
Sabbath  School  was  in  a  most  flourishing  condition,  with 

44 


efficient  officers  and  teachers.  Many  of  tlie  young  people 
attended  the  church  services.  The  Woman's  Society  was 
prosperous,  too.  The  ladies  refrescoed  the  Sunday  School 
room  and  also  recarpeted  it.  The  Woman's  Home  and  For- 
eign Missionary  Society  had  done  its  usual  good  work.  The 
total  number  of  communicants  was  470. 

April  6,  1905,  the  following  was  placed  in  the  records  of 
the  church : 

Middletown,  Ohio,  April  6,  1905. 
Mr.  P.  P.  LaTourrette, 
Middletown,  Ohio. 
Dear  Brother : — 

At  a  meeting  of  the  congregation  of  the  First  Presbyte- 
rian Church  held  last  evening  a  vote  of  thanks  was  extended 
you  for  your  faithful  and  long  continued  services  in  its  be- 
half, and  as  Secretary  thereof,  I  was  instructed  to  forward 
you  notice  of  our  action.  Trusting  you  may  receive  your  re- 
ward and  that  we  may  receive  for  many  years  the  benefit  of 
your  counsels  and  advice,  I  am. 

Very  truly  yours, 

W.  H.  JOHNSON. 

On  October  21,  1905,  the  name  of  P.  P.  LaTourrette  ap- 
pears for  the  last  time  signed  to  the  minutes  as  Clerk  of  the 
Session.  He  had  held  this  position  and  had  missed  very  few 
meetings  since  March  31,  1872,  a  period  of  34  years.  His 
name,  however,  was  signed  to  the  church  narrative  of  April, 
1906.  Some  of  the  members  who  passed  away  this  year 
were  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Lefferson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Shafor  and 
Mrs.  Mary  G.  Foote. 

During  the  year  ending  March  31,  1906,  the  Oakland 
Church  was  dissolved  and  its  30  members  absorbed  into  the 
membership  of  the  First  Church.  The  Sunday  School  at  the 
Oakland  Church  was  continued,  however,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  First  Church.  The  session  appointed  Mr.  Frank 
Otter,  Superintendent,  and  William  McLean,  Assistant  Su- 
perintendent, and  they,  with  the  assistance  of  faithful  teach- 
ers, did  a  splendid  work. 

In  the  minutes  of  the  Congregational  Meeting  held  April 
2,  1906,  are  the  following  statements : 

45 


The  Oakland  Presbyterian  Church. 


The  Oakland  Presbyterian  Church  Manse. 


"The  Woman's  Society  of  the  Church  cannot  be  too 
highly  praised  for  its  work  done  this  period.  The  Woman's 
Missionary  Society  must  be  equally  praised  for  its  faithful 
work. 

The  Forward  Movement  pledged  itself  to  give  $300.00  to 
Rev.  D.  J.  Flemming,  of  Lahore,  India. 

The  Christian  Endeavor  Societies,  Senior  and  Junior, 
are  steadily  moving  forward. 

The  Sunday  School  under  the  efficient  leadership  of  Mr. 
W,  K.  Rhonemus  has  gone  steadily  on,  the  average  attend- 
ance being  higher  and  more  faithfully  sustained  than  in 
years. 

There  were  62  additions  to  the  church  this  year,  the  mem- 
bership now  being  447,  and  the  spiritual  condition  of  the 
church  is  very  encouraging." 

Among  the  members  who  passed  away  this  year  was  Mr. 
John  Ross,  for  many  years  the  faithful  and  devoted  sexton 
of  the  church. 

Peace  and  the  utmost  harmony  prevailed  and  the  suc- 
cess of  the  future  seemed  limited  only  by  our  faith.  This 
was  the  best  year  financially  for  a  long  time.  December  19, 
1906,  at  a  congregational  meeting  J.  L.  Blair,  Murray 
Schenck,  Frank  J.  Otter,  R.  C.  Vanderveer,  William  McLean 
and  A.  T.  Wilson  were  elected  elders,  and  0.  F.  Kendle  and 
Carl  F.  Williamson  were  elected  deacons. 

For  the  year  closing  April  1,  1907,  the  narrative  says, 
'The  loss  by  death  has  been  a  sad  one,  as  many  old  and  val- 
ued members  were  taken.  The  three  faithful  elders,  John 
Blair,  James  K.  Thomas  and  P.  P.  LaTourrette  are  sorely 
missed,  as  are  also  William  Caldwell,  our  faithful  Treas- 
urer, and  Dr.  J.  L.  Thornton,  the  Bible  teacher,  and  Dr.  C.  S. 
Barnitz,  the  oldest  deacon."  Theodore  Marston,  another  old 
elder,  died  the  following  year.  These  old  and  faithful  friends 
so  long  associated  in  the  work  of  this  church,  who  loved  it 
and  were  devoted  to  its  interests  above  all  other  earthly 
things,  in  death  were  not  long  separated.  "They  have  en- 
tered into  that  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 
This  familiar  hymn  which  they  have  so  often  helped  to  sing 
expresses  their  feeling  for  the  church : 


47 


'I  love  Thy  kingdom,  Lord, 

The  house  of  Thine  abode ; 
The  church  our  blest  Redeemer  saved 

With  His  own  precious  blood. 

I  love  Thy  church,  O  God, 

Her  walls  before  Thee  stand 
Dear  as  the  apple  of  Thine  eye. 

And  graven  on  Thy  hand. 

Beyond  my  highest  joys, 

I  prize  her  heavenly  ways  ; 
Her  sweet  communion,  solemn  vows, 

Her  hymns  of  love  and  praise'." 

Others  who  passed  away  this  year  were  William  Ling,  Mrs. 
Lucy  Hinkle,  Mrs.  Mary  Smith,  Mrs.  Maria  Margerum,  Mrs. 
Rhoda  Lucas  and  William  McClellan. 

On  January  24,  1907,  the  Presbyterian  Brotherhood  was 
organized  with  R.  C.  Phillips,  President;  R.  C.  Vanderveer, 
Vice  President;  G.  H.  Stahl,  Secretary,  and  E.  L.  McCallay, 
Treasurer.  This  organization  was  doing  great  good  with  a 
Senior  membership  of  50  and  a  Junior  membership  of  35. 
Because  of  its  efforts  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  church 
was  greatly  improved. 

At  this  time  the  Home  Department  of  the  Sunday  School 
reported  121  members.  Lack  of  funds,  however,  hindered 
the  work.  No  one  can  estimate  the  value  of  the  work  done 
by  this  department  under  the  supervision  of  Mrs.  A.  T.  Wil- 
son. It  was  largely  a  personal  work.  Mrs.  Wilson  was 
President  of  the  King's  Daughters.  She  also  taught  a  La- 
dies' Bible  Class  in  the  Sabbath  School  for  many  years,  and 
only  gave  it  up  when  failing  health  compelled  her  to  do  so. 

On  January  23,  1907,  Mr.  W.  K.  Rhonemus  was  elected 
clerk  of  the  Session  for  one  year.  On  October  23,  of  the 
same  year,  he  was  elected  permanent  clerk. 

During  this  year  Elder  Theodore  Marston  passed  to  his 
reward. 

Mr.  Otter  being  about  to  move  away,  resigned  as  Super- 
intendent of  the  Oakland  Sabbath  School.     Mr.  R.  C.  Van- 

48 


derveer  was  appointed  in  his  place  and  G.  N.  Clapp  was 
chosen  Assistant  Superintendent. 

April  1,  1908,  we  find  that,  counting  the  30  from  the 
Oakland  Church,  there  had  been  added  to  the  church  since 
September  21,  1900,  when  Mr.  Shields  came,  280  members. 
No  communion  had  passed  without  additions. 

The  spiritual  prospects  were  brighter  than  ever  before. 
The  Sabbath  School  and  Brotherhood  were  well  organized 
and  doing  good  and  efficient  work.  The  membership  of  the 
Senior  Brotherhood  had  increased  from  54  to  117  members, 
and  the  whole  church  and  Sabbath  School  felt  the  quicken- 
ing power  of  the  Brotherhood  and  all  was  harmonious  and 
hopeful.  The  membership  of  the  Junior  Brotherhood  was 
about  50,  and  the  boys  were  very  enthusiastic  and  looking 
forward  to  a  better  home.  From  20  to  25  of  them  were  in 
the  Sabbath  School.  The  interest  in  the  Young  People's  So- 
ciety and  The  Workers'  Mission  Band  was  greatly  increased 
and  they  were  doing  fine  work.  Much  of  this  interest  was 
attributed  to  the  Brotherhood. 

The  Forward  Movement  Committee  sent  $209.00  this 
year  to  our  own  Foreign  Missionary. 

All  the  societies  of  the  church  shared  in  the  progress 
made  and  the  prospects  for  the  new  year  were  such  that  we 
were  led  to  believe  it  was  to  be  one  of  the  best  in  the  history 
of  the  church. 

This  year  many  more  of  our  faithful  members  were  called 
home,  among  them  Mrs.  Alexander  Blackie,  Mrs.  J.  B.  Hart- 
ley, Mrs.  Sarah  Gruver,  Mrs.  Rolla  Crawford,  Mr.  George 
Jacoby,  Mrs.  James  Blair,  Sr.,  Mrs.  Sarah  Smoyer  and  Mrs. 
M.  E.  Stonebreaker. 

The  year  ending  April  6,  1909,  was  also  one  of  great  ad- 
vancement along  all  lines  of  Christian  work  and  contribu- 
tions had  materially  increased. 

The  Senior  Brotherhood  numbered  127  members,  and 
they  were  striving  for  200.  It  had  pledged  $15,625.50  for 
the  Brotherhood  Home,  which  if  attained  would  make  our 
church  the  most  powerful  institution  for  good  in  our  city. 
The  Brotherhood  Bible  Class  was  well  attended.  The  Junior 
Brotherhood  gave  that  year  $100.00  toward  the  $1,000  they 
had  pledged  toward  the  Home.    The  Sunday  School  had  an 

49 


average  attendance  of  207  and  the  services  of  the  church 
were  well  attended. 

It  was  during  this  year  that  the  Duplex  Envelope  System 
of  support  to  the  church  was  introduced. 

The  Forward  Movement  this  year  sent  $163.50  to  our 
Foreign  Missionary,  Rev.  D.  J.  Flemming,  of  Lahore,  India, 
in  addition  to  the  other  missionary  giving. 

On  March  9,  1910,  the  congregation  met  at  the  call  of  the 
pastor  and  session  to  consider  the  resignation  of  our  pastor. 
By  his  request  a  motion  was  made  that  we  accept  his  resig- 
nation and  join  with  him  in  his  request  to  Presbytery  that 
the  pastoral  relation  between  him  and  this  church  be  dis- 
solved.   This  motion  was  carried. 

A  resolution  of  regret  was  then  unanimously  adopted,  a 
copy  of  which  was  ordered  given  to  Mr.  Shields. 

Mr.  Shields  was  a  very  sympathetic,  faithful  pastor,  and 
very  much  interested  in  the  work  of  the  young  people,  and 
consequently  very  popular  among  them  and  their  attend- 
ance at  church  services  was  good. 

In  the  narrative  for  the  year  ending  April  6,  1910,  it  was 
reported  that  the  Boards  of  the  Church  were  working  in 
perfect  harmony  and  that  the  church  was  in  good  condition 
both  financially  and  spiritually,  that  all  the  societies  and 
departments  were  active  and  doing  good  work  and  the 
church  was  prosperous. 

After  Mr.  Shields  left  us  Rev.  Henry  J.  Becker,  of  Day- 
ton, Ohio,  acted  very  acceptably  as  supply  for  the  church. 

On  July  24,  1910,  a  congregational  meeting  was  held, 
the  purpose  of  which  was  to  call  a  pastor.  A  call  was  ten- 
dered Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith,  of  the  Emanuel  Presby- 
terian Church,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  Mr.  Smith  accepted  the 
call  and  on  November  1,  1910,  the  installation  took  place. 
Rev.  M.  E.  Wilson  delivered  the  installation  prayer.  Rev. 
Daniel  Myers,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  acted  as  Moderator,  Rev. 
John  Grant  Newman,  of  Oxford,  Ohio,  preached  the  sermon. 
Rev.  Charles  Frederick  Goss,  D.  D.,  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
charged  Mr.  Smith,  and  Rev.  Henry  J.  Becker,  of  Dayton, 
charged  the  people. 

When  Mr.  Smith  became  our  pastor  the  different  socie- 
ties of  the  church  were  working  harmoniously.     The  Sab- 

50 


Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith, 
Pastor  1910-18. 

Mr.  Smith  resigned  as  pastor  to 
enter  the  Army  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Over- 
seas Service.  He  served  in  the  A. 
E.  F.  as  Director  of  Religious 
Work,  with  Headquarters  at  Gran- 
tham, England. 


Rev.  Bernard  J.  Brinkema, 

Our  Present   Pastor.      Mr.   Brinke- 
ma began  his   pastorate  here 
Nov.  1,  1918. 


51 


bath  services  and  Wednesday  evening  meetings  were  well  at- 
tended. Much  interest  was  shown  in  the  Sabbath  School. 
The  outlook  was  very  encouraging  and  the  indications  were 
for  a  happy  and  successful  pastorate  and  we  were  not  to  be 
disappointed. 

On  December  13,  1910,  Mr.  A.  T.  Wilson,  a  devoted  and 
faithful  member  of  the  session,  passed  away. 

The  report  for  the  year  ending  April  1,  1911,  showed  the 
total  number  of  communicants  as  426,  and  the  Sabbath 
School  enrollment  as  270. 

On  April  5,  1911,  Mr.  R.  C.  Phillips  was  elected  deacon 
and  Mr.  Carl  F.  Williamson  was  elected  elder. 

During  this  church  year  on  September  12,  1911,  Mr.  S. 
Davis  Long  died.  He  was  a  faithful  member  of  the  church 
and  always  present  at  all  the  services. 

In  September,  1911,  at  a  joint  meeting  of  the  Boards 
of  the  Church  it  was  thought  best  that  the  Oakland  Church 
building  be  repaired  and  services  resumed  there.  A  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  investigate  the  cost  of  the  repairs 
necessary.  However,  it  was  not  until  the  following  year 
pfter  the  Lyon  meetings  that  the  Church  was  reopened.  On 
July  17,  1912,  the  Superintendent  of  our  Sunday  School,  sev- 
eral of  the  teachers  and  some  of  the  officers  of  the  Church, 
effected  a  permanent  organization  with  H.  G.  Gaige,  Secre- 
tary of  the  Brotherhood,  as  Superintendent. 

The  work  grew  and  flourished  to  such  an  extent  that  our 
Church  officers  decided  to  engage  a  pastor  and  begin  holding 
church  services.  J.  M.  Murchison,  a  student  at  Lane  Sem- 
inary, in  Cincinnati,  was  persuaded  to  undertake  the  work 
at  Oakland  in  connection  with  the  position  of  Assistant  Pas- 
tor of  our  Church.  He  began  his  duties  at  the  close  of  the 
Seminary  in  June,  1913,  holding  one  regular  preaching  serv- 
ice at  Oakland  every  Sunday  evening. 

The  interest  in  the  Bible  School  continued  to  grow  and 
the  church  services  were  well  attended.  The  following  year, 
1914,  upon  the  graduation  of  Mr,  Murchison  from  Lane 
Seminary  in  May,  he  was  engaged  as  minister  at  Oakland 
with  the  plan  of  effecting  a  church  organization  as  soon  as 
possible.  Upon  his  return  from  his  vacation  in  October, 
1914,  morning  services  were  begun,  and  on  December  14th 

52 


a  petition  containing  sixty-two  names  was  presented  to  Day- 
ton Presbytery  asking  that  the  Oakland  Presbyterian 
Church  be  organized. 

The  Presbytery  promptly  granted  the  request  and  ap- 
pointed suitable  committees  to  proceed  with  the  organiza- 
tion. 

This  work  was  completed  December  18th,  when  fifty-two 
members  of  the  new  organization  were  received.  They 
elected  officers  and  fixed  the  date  for  a  congregational  meet- 
ing for  the  purpose  of  electing  a  pastor.  Rev.  J.  M.  Murchi- 
son  was  unanimously  chosen. 

At  the  regular  congregational  meeting  of  our  Church 
held  in  April,  1917,  it  was  decided  that  the  work  at  Oakland 
had  reached  the  point  where  the  title  to  the  Oakland  Church 
property  could  safely  and  properly  be  transferred  from  the 
Trustees  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  to  the  Trustees 
of  the  Oakland  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a  motion  to  this 
effect  was  duly  carried.  This  action  was  taken  at  that  time 
because  of  the  desire  of  Oakland  Church  to  build  a  manse  on 
part  of  the  church  lot. 

Our  Church  may  well  be  proud  of  the  success  of  its  ef- 
forts in  organizing  and  watching  over  Oakland  Church  till 
it  became  self-sustaining.  This  success  was  due  in  large 
measure  to  the  encouragement  given  the  officers  of  the  new 
organization  in  enlisting  the  interest  of  all  mmbers  of  our 
church  living  in  the  eastern  and  southeastern  parts  of  our 
city,  and  the  securing  of  the  transfer  of  their  membership 
to  that  church  by  our  pastor,  Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith. 

In  1912  the  Boards  of  the  Church  sold  the  Suydam  prop- 
erty, which  has  been  referred  to  herein  before,  and  the 
proceeds  afterward  used  in  the  extension  and  improvement 
program  of  the  church,  which  resulted  in  the  purchase  of  a 
new  manse  and  the  transforming  of  the  old  manse  into  the 
Westminster  House. 

During  the  church  year  ending  March  31,  1912,  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-six  new  members  were  added  to  the  church. 
Of  this  number,  eighty-nine  were  received  on  confession  of 
faith.  This  increased  membership  was  due  largely  to  a  se- 
ries of  meetings  held  in  Middletown  during  February  and 
March,  1912,  and  known  as  the  Lyon  Tabernacle  meetings. 

53 


Practically  all  the  Protestant  churches  of  the  city  united  in 
this  movement  which  resulted  in  much  good  being  done  in 
our  city,  and  many  members  being  added  to  the  rolls  of  the 
church.  On  Park  street,  near  the  Caldwell  and  Iseminger 
plant,  a  large  tabernacle  was  built  in  which  services  were 
held  two  or  three  times  a  day  for  a  period  of  six  weeks.  Rev. 
Milford  H.  Lyon  was  the  evangelist  in  charge. 

With  the  additions  stated  above,  the  membership  of  the 
church  was  increased  to  548  communicants.  The  spiritual 
condition  and  life  of  the  church  was  reported  much  better 
and  deeper  than  during  the  previous  year.  Church  unity 
prevailed  and  all  the  societies  were  in  flourishing  condition. 
The  Sabbath  School  reported  an  enrollment  of  300  scholars. 
Fifty-eight  members  of  the  Sabbath  School  were  taken  into 
the  Church  during  this  church  year. 

During  the  summer  of  1912,  Mr.  R.  E.  Mitchell,  who  as 
musical  director  had  done  such  efficient  work  at  the  taber- 
nacle meetings,  was  employed  to  take  charge  of  the  singing 
in  the  church  services  and  to  assist  the  pastor  in  the  Oak- 
land church  field.  While  here  Mr.  Mitchell  also  taught  the 
Men's  Bible  class.  In  July  and  August  of  this  year  the  Sun- 
day evening  services  were  held  in  a  tabernacle  which  had 
been  constructed  on  the  Brotherhood  lot  at  the  corner  of 
Fourth  and  Main  streets.  This  innovation  in  the  manner 
of  holding  these  services  proved  quite  successful.  Minis- 
ters from  nearby  cities  conducted  the  meetings  and  the  sing- 
ing was  in  charge  of  Mr.  Mitchell.  The  attendance  was  good 
and  no  doubt  many  were  influenced  who  otherwise  would 
not  have  attended  divine  service. 

It  was  during  this  church  year,  on  June  1,  1912,  that  Mrs. 
Irene  Thomas  Dickey  passed  away.  She  was  for  many 
years  an  active  worker  in  the  Church  and  Sabbath  School, 
assisting  with  the  music,  both  instrumental  and  vocal.  She 
was  a  faithful  teacher  in  the  Sabbath  School  as  long  as  her 
health  permitted. 

In  the  latter  part  of  March,  1913,  our  city  was  visited  by 
the  terrible  flood  which  devastated  the  Miami  Valley.  The 
homes  of  many  of  the  members  of  this  church  were  ruined, 
or  partially  so,  and  the  church  suffered  with  the  members. 
The  pews  and  carpets  in  the  auditorium  were  ruined  and 

54 


m 


H   <u 


ra 


the  loss  was  quite  heavy.    The  services  during  the  following 
summer  were  held  in  the  Sunday  School  room. 

At  the  annual  congregational  meeting  held  April  16, 
1913,  the  church  membership  was  given  as  588,  the  Sunday 
School  enrollment  as  438  and  the  average  attendance  at  Sun- 
day school  as  255.  At  this  time  the  Board  of  Elders  was  in- 
creased from  7  to  12  members,  and  the  Board  of  Deacons 
from  5  to  14  members.  The  following  men  were  elected  to 
complete  these  boards:  Elders,  E.  G.  Barkley,  C.  E.  Burke, 
A.  L.  Foster,  Dr.  D.  F.  Gerber  and  R.  C.  Phillips ;  Deacons, 
William  Bevenger,  F.  0.  Diver,  W.  S.  LaTourrette,  D.  D. 
Lefferson,  W.  H.  Minton,  John  C.  Phillips,  Dr.  J.  C.  Stratton, 
John  X.  Smith,  H.  A.  Thompson,  H.  S.  Wise  and  E.  C.  Wood- 
ward. All  these  men  were  ordained  and  installed  at  the  Sun- 
day morning  service  June  15,  1913. 

On  October  13,  1913,  the  congregation  decided  to  buy  a 
new  manse,  the  Sebald  residence,  609  Yankee  Road,  and  to 
convert  the  present  manse  into  Sabbath  School  class  rooms. 
This  was  made  advisable  because  of  the  growth  and  interest 
that  had  lately  been  manifest  in  the  Sunday  School 

Record  is  made  of  the  death  of  Mrs.  Phoebe  J.  Wikoff  on 
January  3,  1915.  She  was  at  the  time  of  her  death  the  oldest 
member  of  the  church  and  one  of  the  most  faithful  in  attend- 
ance even  until  very  near  the  end  of  her  pilgrimage. 

When  the  Oakland  Church  was  organized  on  December 
18,  1914,  twenty-one  members  of  the  First  Church  were  dis- 
missed to  be  taken  into  that  church.  This  number  was  later 
increased  to  about  forty.  Consequently  the  report  of  the 
P'irst  Church  for  the  year  ending  March  31,  1915,  shows  that 
the  membership  of  our  Church  had  been  decreased  to  582. 
It  was  reported  at  the  annual  meeting  at  this  time  that  the 
Friendly  Helpers'  Class  of  the  Sabbath  School,  had  given 
One  Thousand  Dollars  during  the  year  toward  the  payment 
of  the  church  debt.  This  class  of  ladies  was  organized  shortly 
after  the  Lyon  tabernacle  meeting  and  has  steadily  in- 
creased in  members  until  now  it  has  an  enrollment  of  sixty- 
three. 

The  years  of  1915  and  1916  in  our  Church  history  were 
marked  by  much  spiritual  work  being  done.  All  societies 
of  the  Church  were  well  organized  and  were  faithfully  per- 

56 


forming  their  varied  duties.  Some  reorganization  was 
made  necessary  because  of  the  withdrawal  of  quite  a  num- 
ber of  our  members  and  officers  to  unite  with  the  Oakland 
Church,  and  because  of  the  change  that  had  lately  been 
made  in  the  Brotherhood  Association,  a  change  which  later 
terminated  in  the  organization  of  a  Y.  M.  C.  A,  in  Middle- 
town.  The  use  of  the  Westminster  House  for  class  rooms  re- 
sulted in  a  renewed  interest  in  the  Sunday  School  and  more 
efficient  work  was  done  in  all  classes.  So  the  work  of  this 
period  resulted  not  only  in  strengthening  our  own  organiza- 
tion, but  also  in  helping  to  provide  for  others  opportunities 
for  service  and  worship. 

Mrs.  May  McCallay  Renick,  an  earnest  Christian  worker, 
devoted  to  her  church  and  faithful  in  her  attendance  at  its 
services,  passed  away  on  January  8,  1916.  In  July  of  the 
same  year  Mr.  E.  L.  McCallay,  a  faithful  member  for  many 
years,  died. 

At  the  congregational  meeting  held  on  April  4,  1917,  the 
following  statistics  were  given :  Members  on  active  church 
roll,  595 ;  Sabbath  School  enrollment,  334 ;  given  to  Home 
Missions,  $511.00;  to  Foreign  Missions,  $490.00;  total  of  ail 
expenses,  $8,460.30.  The  spiritual  condition  of  the  church 
and  its  various  societies  was  reported  as  being  good  and  the 
general  condition  of  all  affairs  of  the  church  as  very  favor- 
able. 

Mrs,  Mary  Thornton,  one  of  our  oldest  members,  died  on 
November  16,  1917.  For  many  years  she  was  teacher  of  the 
Women's  Bible  Class  in  the  Sabbath  School. 

In  the  spring  of  1918  a  special  effort  was  made  to  reclaim 
for  the  Church  those  of  our  members  who  had  moved  to 
other  places  or,  for  some  reason  or  other,  had  become  delin- 
quent in  their  church  relations.  A  letter  was  sent  by  the 
pastor  to  all  these  members  urging  them  either  to  renew 
their  relations  with  this  Church  or  to  take  letters  to  some 
other  Church  in  which  they  could  worship.  As  a  result  of 
this  action  several  of  our  members  were  dismissed  to  other 
Churches,  some  were  dropped  from  the  roll,  and  others  were 
placed  on  the  "Reserve  Roll."  This  accounts  for  the  de- 
crease in  the  membership  as  reported  for  the  year  1918-19. 

57 


The  Church  roll  had  not  been  revised  for  several  years  pre- 
vious to  this  time. 

An  "Every  Member  Canvas"  of  the  church  was  held 
March  17,  1918,  and  "Go  To  Church  Sunday"  was  observed 
the  following  Sabbath.  Great  praise  must  be  given  to  the 
Boards  of  the  Church  for  their  efforts  to  raise  the  money  for 
the  work  of  the  church  and  to  create  an  increased  attend- 
ance of  the  membership  at  the  church  services.  Both  of 
these  efforts  were  crowned  with  success.  Early  in  this  church 
year  it  was  with  regret  that  we  were  called  upon  to  accept 
the  resignation  of  Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith,  who  planned  to 
enter  the  War  Y.  M.  C.  A.  work.  He  served  in  England  and 
France  for  one  year  and  has  just  recently  returned  to  the 
States.  He  resigned  on  April  5,  1918.  It  was  our  high  priv- 
ilege to  give  Mr.  Smith  and  son  Knowlton  to  the  service  of 
our  country. 

During  this  year  death  with  his  relentless  hand  took  a 
number  of  earnest,  faithful  members  who  were  among  the 
regular  attendants  of  the  church  and  Sabbath  School :  Mrs. 
Margaret  Ross,  Daniel  McCallay,  Frank  Sutphin,  Mrs.  John 
Nein,  Clifford  S.  Todd,  C.  B.  Johnson  and  W.  K.  Rhonemus. 
Mr.  Johnson  was  one  of  our  oldest  members,  a  faithful,  con- 
scientious man,  always  actively  interested  in  the  work  of 
the  church.  He  had  looked  forward  for  some  years  to  the 
celebration  of  this  one  hundredth  anniversary  and  was  anx- 
ious that  it  be  a  success,  and  was  perhaps  the  first  one  to 
suggest  that  we  celebrate  the  event.  Mr.  Rhonemus  was  a 
much-beloved  elder  and  had  been  Clerk  of  the  Session  since 
January  9,  1907.  He  was  a  devoted  Christian,  a  lover  of  his 
church  and  all  her  institutions,  especially  of  the  Sunday 
School  of  which  he  was  the  faithful  Superintendent  for  a 
number  of  years. 

C.  E.  Burke  was  nominated  and  elected  Clerk  of  Session 
September  25,  1918. 

We  were  without  a  pastor  for  about  seven  months  after 
Mr.  Smith  resigned.  Then,  on  September  25,  1918,  a  unan- 
imous call  was  tendered  Rev.  Bernard  J.  Brinkema,  of  Mil- 
ton, Pa.  Rev.  Mr.  Brinkema  accepted  this  call  and  began  his 
labors  here  November  1st,  1918,  and  was  installed  Decem- 
ber 18,  1918.     At  the  installation  services  Rev.  Harris  G. 

58 


Rice  presided,  Rev.  Rolland  E.  Crist  preached  the  sermon, 
Rev.  Wendell  Foster  delivered  the  charge  to  the  pastor  and 
Rev.  William  J.  Thistle  the  charge  to  the  people.  Miss  Lou- 
ise Todhunter  sang  two  solos  and  led  the  congregational  sing- 
ing. Miss  Margaret  Gebhart  presided  at  the  organ.  The 
services  were  very  interesting  and  helpful. 

The  influenza  epidemic  during  the  fall  and  winter  of 
1918-19  very  greatly  interfered  with  all  kinds  of  church 
work.  During  this  time,  however,  plans  were  made  for 
renewed  efforts  when  the  services  could  be  resumed.  At  a 
joint  meeting  of  the  elders  and  deacons  the  pastor  presented 
some  plans  for  the  future  work  of  the  church.  After  a  gen- 
eral discussion  of  these  plans  action  was  taken  which  has  re- 
sulted in  the  organization  of  the  Westminster  Men's  Club 
which  is  to  have  supervision  over  all  the  men's  work  of  the 
church.  Plans  were  also  made  at  this  time  to  carry  out  the 
program  of  the  "New  Era  Movement."  We  are  glad  to  be 
able  to  say  that  our  efforts  along  this  line  so  far  have  been 
successful. 

At  the  close  of  the  church  year,  March  31,  1919,  the  num- 
ber of  members  on  the  active  church  roll  was  reported  to  be 
538,  the  Sabbath  School  enrollment  to  be  326  and  the  total 
church  expenditures  for  the  year  to  have  been  $13,461.75. 

Since  Mr.  Brinkema  became  our  pastor,  November  1, 
1918,  sixty  members  have  been  added  to  the  church  roll. 

Early  in  the  year  1919  plans  were  begun  to  celebrate  the 
centennial  of  our  Church.  A  committee  was  appointed  by 
the  Boards  of  the  Church  to  have  general  charge  of  the  cele- 
bration. The  work  done  by  this  committee  and  other  com- 
mittees appointed  by  it  will  be  given  more  in  detail  in  other 
parts  of  this  book. 

A  few  years  previous  to  this  time  and  before  the  Presby- 
terian Brotherhood  Association  had  grown  into  the  Middle- 
town  Brotherhood  Association,  several  of  the  men  and 
women  of  our  church  purchased  the  large  lot  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  Fourth  and  Main  Streets.  At  the  time  of  the 
purchase  it  was  planed  to  build  on  this  lot  a  Brotherhood 
Building,  or  a  Parish  House,  where  many  of  the  church  ac- 
tivities could  be  carried  on.  However,  as  the  city  has  grown 
so  rapidly  and  a  Y.  M.  C.  A.  has  been  organized  and  is  doing 

60 


for  the  whole  city  a  great  deal  of  the  work  that  it  was  orig- 
inally planned  should  be  done  in  the  proposed  Brotherhood 
Building,  the  owners  of  this  lot  abandoned  their  plan  to 
build  and  decided  to  sell  the  lot.  This  was  done  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1919  and  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  were  most  gener- 
ously given  to  the  Church.  Consequently  we  were  able  to 
])ay  the  debt  which  had  resulted  from  the  heavy  loss  in  the 
flood  of  1913  and  from  the  purchase  of  the  new  manse,  and 
we  will  celebrate  our  Centennial  with  our  Church  entirely 
free  from  debt. 

During  the  World  War  forty-seven  of  our  men  and  boys 
were  enrolled  in  the  service  of  our  country.  We  were  more 
fortunate  than  most  churches  and  communities,  as  all  but 
one  came  back  to  us.  Raymond  Alvin  Pinkerton  was  called 
upon  to  make  the  supreme  sacrifice.  He  died  in  France  in 
July,  1918,  as  a  result  of  wounds  received  in  battle  in  Sois- 
sons.  Nine  of  our  younger  boys  were  enrolled  in  the  Stu- 
dents' Auxiliary  Training  Corps  and  were  ready  for  the  call 
had  it  been  necessary.  The  members  of  our  Church  share 
with  the  other  citizens  of  Middletown  a  most  gratifying  war 
record  in  all  the  activities  of  those  trying  times. 

The  close  of  the  first  century  of  its  history  finds  our 
Church  in  all  its  various  branches  well  organized  and  with 
bright  prospects  for  a  most  successful  future.  Our  heritage 
is  a  noble  one.    May  we  not  fail  it. 

We  have  endeavored  in  this  story  to  show  the  growth  of 
our  church  during  the  years  that  have  passed.  There  are 
many  things  that  we  would  like  to  say  but  they  cannot  be 
said.  A  book  would  not  hold  the  mere  mention  of  the  deeds 
of  sacrifice  and  love  that  have  been  done  and  are  still  being 
done  in  this  church  in  the  service  of  the  Master.  Time,  ef- 
fort and  money  have  been  given  freely  to  the  church  and  its 
different  organizations.  Some  have  taken  a  special  interest 
in  the  Sunday  School  work,  others  in  the  Christian  En- 
deavor Society,  others  in  making  the  church  and  Sunday 
School  rooms  pleasing  in  appearance,  comfortable  and  invit- 
ing. Time  and  space  forbid  further  enumeration.  That 
the  words  that  have  been  written  will  increase  our  love  for 
our  church  and  our  devotion  to  His  cause  and  will  encourage 
us  to  go  forward  to  meet  the  new  responsibilities  that  will 
arise,  is  the  prayer  of  the  writer. 


THE  SOCIETIES  AND  ORGANIZATIONS  OF  THE 
CHURCH. 

The  following  account  of  the  orgayiization  ayid  work  of 
the  Woman's  Missionary  Society  ivas  prepared  by  Mrs.  Car- 
rie Thomas  Woodivard,  Presidefit  of  the  Society. 

AND  on  the  Sabbath  day  we  went  forth  without  the  gate 
by  a  river  side,  where  we  supposed  there  was  a  place  of 
prayer,  and  we  sat  down  and  spake  unto  the  women  that 
were  come  together. 

"And  a  certain  woman,  named  Lydia,  a  seller  of  purple,, 
of  the  city  of  Thyatira,  one  that  worshipped  God,  heard  us 
whose  heart  the  Lord  opened  to  give  heed  unto  the  things 
that  were  spoken  by  Paul." 

This  meeting  of  Paul  with  the  women  of  Philippi  by  the 
river  side  occurred  almost  two  thousand  years  ago,  and  yet 
in  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-nine  the  desire  to 
spread  the  Gospel  was  deep  in  the  hearts  of  the  women  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Middletown.  The  command  of 
Christ,  "Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  Gospel  to 
every  living  creature,"  had  not  been  heard  in  vain,  and  had 
influenced  our  women  to  take  an  active  stand  for  missions. 

Previous  to  1879  the  church  had  been  developing  its  own 
organization,  yet  missionary  offerings  had  been  collected  by 
the  women,  the  contributions  passing  through  the  channels 
of  the  church  into  its  missionary  work.  About  this  time  a 
new  pastor,  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Hench,  was  called  to  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  Mrs.  Hench,  being  interested  in  mission- 
ary work,  spoke  to  Mrs.  Charles  Margerum  and  drew  her  at- 
tention to  the  fact  that  she  was  interested  in  the  missionary 
cause.  Mrs.  Margerum  was  somewhat  surprised,  as  it  was 
a  latent  interest  of  which  she  was  not  aware ;  and  let  it  be 
said  here,  Mrs.  Hench  showed  wisdom,  as  Mrs.  Margerum 
has  proved  to  be  a  worker  along  this  line  from  then  until 
the  present  time. 

Mrs.  Hench  drew  together  Mrs.  Charles  Margerum,  Mrs. 
William  Reed,  Mrs.  John  Hill,  Mrs.  Montgomery  Patton, 
Mrs.  Irene  Dickey  and  Miss  Jennie  Marston,  and  the  first 
Missionary  Society  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Middle- 
town  was  organized  by  these  women.     Mrs.  Hench  was  the 

62 


first  President.  The  meetings  of  this  new  society  were  held 
in  the  evenings  four  times  a  year  and  called  Missionary 
Teas. 

Almost  all  of  the  original  members  of  that  first  organiza- 
tion have  passed  on  before,  and  a  record  of  the  early  church 
work  done  for  missions  is  not  extant  in  this  world.  Let  us 
hope  that  a  work  humbly  begun  in  His  name  has  been  far 
more  reaching  in  its  results  than  we  can  realize  and  that  the 
words  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant"  may  be  spoken 
to  those  early  organizers  of  our  Missionary  Society. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  there  are  not  early  records  to 
assist  the  historian  in  giving  definite  detail  of  the  mission- 
ary work.  It  would  be  interesting  could  the  work  done  un- 
der each  pastorate  be  recorded,  but  there  being  no  data 
from  which  to  draw,  we  have  depended  on  the  memory  of 
some  of  the  women  of  the  church. 

In  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-two,  while  Mrs.  Hench 
was  still  President,  our  society,  although  but  three  years  old, 
had  grown  to  such  strength  that  the  Dayton  Presbyterial 
was  entertained  by  it  at  the  annual  meeting  held  in  Middle- 
town. 

About  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-five  Miss  Jennie 
Marston  became  President  and  served  in  that  capacity  until 
her  marriage  to  Mr.  W.  C.  Beale,  of  Westerville.  She  was 
an  excellent  worker,  doing  a  great  deal  for  the  missionary 
cause  and  working  actively  up  to  the  very  day  of  her  mar- 
riage. 

Dr.  S.  F.  Hershey  was  at  this  time  pastor  of  the  church. 
After  Miss  Jennie  Marston's  marriage  Mrs.  Charles  Mar- 
gerum,  being  Vice  President,  succeeded  to  the  presidency. 

About  this  time  Rev.  J.  S.  Simonton  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  and  he  advised  a  change  in  all  the  organizations  of 
the  church.  The  Missionary  Society,  the  Ladies'  Aid  So- 
ciety and  other  societies  were  made  merely  departments, 
each  department  having  its  own  chairman,  while  over  all  the 
departments  was  a  General  President,  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer. The  societies  thus  merged  did  not  prove  to  be  a  suc- 
cess, and  between  the  time  that  Mr.  Simonton  left  and  Rev. 
G.  W.  McCampbell  took  up  his  pastorate  the  societies  of  the 
church  resumed  their  former  plan  of  organization. 

63 


The  numbers  attending  the  Missionary  Society  at  this 
time  were  very  small,  and  after  the  arrival  of  Mr.  McCamp- 
bell  two  of  our  ladies,  Mrs.  Charles  Margerum,  President, 
and  Mrs,  Morris  Renick,  Secretary-Treasurer,  having  the 
interest  of  the  society  at  heart,  and  feeling  greatly  discour- 
aged over  the  lack  of  interest  shown,  carried  their  burden  to 
the  new  pastor.  Mr.  McCampbell  suggested  that  they  adopt 
the  envelope  system,  thus  securing  both  members  and  means 
to  support  the  cause.  He  also  advised  monthly  instead  of 
quarterly  meetings, 

Mrs,  Margerum  and  Mrs,  Renick  stood  at  the  top  of  the 
high  flight  of  stone  steps  that  led  into  the  old  church  and  as 
the  ladies  entered  Sunday  morning  they  were  handed  en- 
velopes for  the  Missionary  Society.  All  our  ladies  accepted 
them,  thus  establishing  their  membership  in  the  Missionary 
Society, 

Miss  Letitia  McCampbell,  daughter  of  our  pastor,  hav- 
ing been  accepted  by  the  Foreign  Missionary  Board  of  New 
York,  was  making  her  home  here  with  her  father  until  de- 
parture for  her  work  in  the  foreign  fields.  The  interest  in 
our  society  had  increased  with  our  membership  and  more 
frequent  meetings.  Miss  McCampbell's  arrival  added  a  new 
interest,  and  since  she  was  soon  starting  to  assume  her  mis- 
sionary work  in  Teheran,  Persia,  it  was  suggested  that  the 
Missionary  Society  furnish  her  wardrobe.  Money  was  so- 
licited, material  purchased,  and  the  time  was  set  for  sewing, 
at  which  gathered  old  and  young  in  large  numbers.  This 
was  the  beginning  of  the  annual  sewing  days  which  still 
continue.    Mrs.  Thornton  was  President  at  this  time. 

During  Dr.  Scott's  ministry,  Mrs.  Scott  being  deeply  in- 
terested in  missionary  work,  our  society  prospered  and 
large  numbers  attended  the  meetings. 

Mrs,  Thornton  at  this  time  was  honored  by  being  ap- 
pointed District  President.  Her  daughter,  Nellie,  was  ap- 
pointed Secretary  of  Literature  of  the  Dayton  Presbyterial. 
In  1909  Miss  Thornton  resigned  from  this  position  and  a 
tribute  was  paid  to  her  fine  work  by  the  Dayton  Presbyterial. 
Both  Mrs.  Thornton  and  Nellie  were  workers  faithfully  help- 
ing spread  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ. 

About  this  time  we  began  holding  the  meetings  in  the 

64 


homes,  Mrs.  Geo.  Jacoby  was  President.  An  editor  was  ap- 
pointed who  prepared  a  budget  of  news  for  each  meeting. 
An  increased  interest  and  attendance  were  noticeable,  so 
much  so  that  both  Dayton  and  Hamilton  sent  a  delegation  to 
investigate  the  cause  of  such  marked  interest  that  they 
might  profit  by  our  experience.  At  the  Troy  Presbyterial 
meeting  in  1908  our  society  was  mentioned  as  ranking  sec- 
end  in  increased  membership. 

During  the  ten  years  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shields  were 
with  us  they  were  actively  interested  in  the  work  and  the 
progress  of  the  society,  and  it  was  through  the  efforts  of  Mr. 
hhields  that  the  church  helped  support  Mr.  Street,  a  mission- 
ary in  China,  and  later  Mr.  J.  D.  Flemming,  a  missionary  in 
India.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shields  attended  the  society,  both 
being  well  qualified  to  help  advance  the  interest  in  the  meet- 
ings. 

Alfred  Moore,  grandson  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Theodore  Mars- 
ton,  through  the  influence  of  Mr.  Shields,  entered  Wooster 
College.  He  became  interested  in  missionary  work  and  for 
a  short  time  went  into  the  West  as  a  Home  Missionary. 
After  his  graduation  in  1911  he  went  to  India  as  an  Evan- 
gelistic Missionary.  While  he  did  not  take  up  this  work  in 
the  Middletown  Church,  but  under  our  Presbyterian  Board, 
we  feel  a  personal  interest  in  him  and  have  remembered  him 
in  some  of  our  missionary  work. 

On  May  30,  1910,  it  is  recorded  that  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  write  a  letter  of  appreciation  of  Mrs.  Shields 
from  our  society  to  the  ladies  of  the  Hillsboro  Church  with 
which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shields  were  then  identified. 

In  the  closing  year  of  Mr.  Shields'  pastorate  we  were  ap- 
portioned as  follows : 

General  Home  Fund $25.00 

Cortland,   Ky 5.00 

Puria  and  Papago  Indians   25.00 

Sitka  Equipment 2.00 

Foreigners  in  United  States 19.00 

Laura  Sunderland  School   50.00 

General   Freedmen    2.00 

Mrs.  Carr  (colored)    15.00 

Danville  Industrial  TeaCher 1.00 

Freedmen  Special   15.00 

65 


General  Foreign    17.00 

Mrs.   Carleton    30.00 

Lahore  Station    10.00 

Lodiana    10.00 

Contingent  Tax   5.00 

Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith  and  his  wife  became  identified 
with  our  church  in  1910  and  Mrs.  Smith  at  once  took  her 
place  in  the  Missionary  Society  as  an  earnest,  efficient 
worker. 

In  1913  the  great  flood  swept  down  over  the  Miami  Val- 
ley doing  damage  to  our  church  and  manse  and  leaving  death 
and  destruction  in  its  wake.  It  was  after  the  church  was  re- 
paired and  the  manse  had  been  converted  into  the  Westmin- 
ster House  that  the  Missionary  meetings  were  held  in  the 
parlors  of  the  Westminster  House  in  place  of  the  homes. 

Mrs.  Smith  often  added  to  the  interest  of  the  meeting  by 
lending  her  soprano  voice  in  a  devotional  solo.  Although 
coming  from  the  East,  she  soon  so  closely  identified  herself 
with  the  interests  of  this  locality  that  she  had  conferred  on 
her  the  great  honor  of  being  appointed  President  of  the  Day- 
ton Presbyterial,  where  she  was  held  in  such  high  esteem 
that  others  hesitated  to  accept  the  appointment  after  her 
resignation,  made  necessary  by  Mr.  Smith's  war  work  with 
the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Mrs.  Smith's  efficient  work  in  our  local  so- 
ciety and  as  President  of  the  Dayton  Presbyterial  proved 
that  she  was  equal  to  a  business  position  during  the  war, 
when  efficient  women  were  so  much  needed,  and  such  a  posi- 
tion was  offered  to  her  at  the  Presbyterian  Headquarters, 
New  York  City,  which  place  she  faithfully  filled  until  Mr. 
Smith's  return  some  months  after  the  armistice. 

In  the  fall  of  1915  at  the  Executive  Meeting  of  the  Day- 
ton Presbyterial,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Kirkpatrick  was  appointed 
Synodical  Promoter  of  the  School  of  Missions  of  Wooster, 
Ohio. 

Mrs.  Homer  Long,  of  this  Society,  has  for  the  last  two 
years  been  Secretary  of  Educational  Work  in  the  Dayton 
Presbyterial  and  has  filled  this  office  with  much  credit. 

In  the  year  1918  and  1919,  the  first  year  of  Mr.  Brinke- 
ma's  pastorate  and  Mrs.  Brinkema's  identification  with  the 
Missionary  Society,  the  terrible  scourge  of  influenza  swept 
the  country.  Schools  and  churches  were  closed  and  the  Mis- 
sionary Society  felt  the  depressing  influence. 

66 


The  missionary  circles  in  different  parts  of  the  town, 
which  were  introduced  into  the  working  program  of  the 
Missionary  Society  by  Mrs.  David  Garrett  Smith  and  Mrs. 
Homer  Long,  proved  helpful,  and  this  year,  1919,  Mrs.  D.  D. 
Lefferson,  our  competent  and  faithful  treasurer,  who  has 
filled  this  office  for  fifteen  years,  was  assisted  by  the  circles 
in  collecting  our  apportionment,  which  had  been  increased 
by  the  war,  the  urgent  need  of  our  Missionaries  and  the 
greater  work  to  be  undertaken  here  in  our  own  country, 
known  as  the  New  Era  Movement  and  the  Golden  Jubilee. 

The  work  of  our  society  has  followed  the  lines  laid  down 
by  our  Missionary  Board  to  a  great  extent,  the  society  feel- 
ing that  it  is  quite  important  to  meet  its  obligations  in  every 
way.  We  have  sometimes  added  to  that  work  when  interest 
or  sympathy  drew  us  toward  some  special  object. 

We  have  shown  some  civic  as  well  as  charitable  interest 
in  sewing  for  the  needy  of  our  town  and  the  children  in  the 
Home  at  Hamilton. 

Boxes  and  barrels  have  been  sent  long  distances  and  these 
gifts  were  often  the  means  of  establishing  an  interest  be- 
tween people  who  were  not  acquainted  but  were  friends  in 
the  household  of  faith. 

The  following  report  of  the  Treasurer,  accepted  in  Jan- 
uary, 1919,  shows  a  marked  increase  over  that  of  1910: 
Amount  of  money  received  for  year : 

By  envelopes    $263.00 

Mite  boxes   105.00 

Special  campaign    119.00 

Total  amount  received 487.00 

Dispersed  as  follows : 

Paid  to  Board  of  Home  Missions 275.00 

Home  War  Special   42.00 

Paid  to  Board  for  Foreign  Missions.  .    111.00 

War  Emergency   34.00 

Total  for  Missions    462.00 

Contingent   Tax    7.00 

Thank  offering    10.00 

Grand   Total    479.00 

Balance  in  Treasury $     8.00 

67 


We  had  102  contributing-  members,  17  more  than  last 
year.    We  also  gave  to  Rev.  Alfred  Moore,  $10.00. 

The  gifts  to  the  Lord's  work  seem  small  indeed,  espe- 
cially when  we  compare  them  with  money  spent  lavishly  in 
other  directions.  But  since  faith  as  a  mustard  seed  may 
grow  to  huge  proportions,  so  may  seed  humbly  sown  for 
Our  Father  in  heaven  be  increased  by  His  loving  care  until 
the  seed  becomes  a  sheaf,  and  the  words  to  His  faithful  fol- 
lowers, down  through  the  one  hundred  years  and  even  unto 
the  end  of  time,  may  be,  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant, thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make 
thee  ruler  over  many." 

M7's.  H.  H.  Goldman  and  Mrs.  E.  W.  Gunckel  prepared 
the  following  accomit  of  the  organization  and  work  of  The 
Woman's  Society  of  the  Church.  Mrs.  Goldman  is  President 
and  Mrs.  Gunckel  is  Secretary  of  this  Society  at  the  present 
time. 

THE  first  records  we  have  of  any  organization  among  the 
women  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Middletown 
date  back  in  the  annals  of  the  Church  when  the  church 
building  was  located  on  South  Broadway  about  where  the 
Lutheran  parsonage  now  stands.  It  was  then  the  aim  of 
The  Woman's  Society,  as  it  is  now,  to  devise  ways  and  means 
for  promoting  the  mission  activities  of  the  Church,  to  attend 
the  poor,  to  provide  for  any  social  entertainment  to  be  held 
and  to  help  in  the  upkeep  of  the  church,  Sunday  School  and 
manse,  whenever  duty  made  the  call.  In  those  early  days 
it  was,  to  be  sure,  only  a  small  band  of  women  who  met  to- 
gether to  perform  these  many  duties,  but  they  were  always 
found  faithful  to  the  work  before  them. 

In  1875,  while  the  late  Rev.  Joseph  W.  Clokey  was  the 
pastor,  the  society  as  then  existing  was  reorganized  and 
was  named  "The  Ladies'  Guild."  The  organization  was 
known  by  this  name  until  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev. 
George  M.  McCampbell,  when  a  motion  was  carried  to  the 
effect  "that  the  society  change  the  name  to  a  more  digni- 
fied one,"  and  from  that  time  it  has  been  known  as  "The 
Woman's  Society." 

Through  all  the  years  the  ladies  of  this  society  have 

68 


worked  diligently,  in  summer  and  in  winter,  giving  fairs, 
art  loans,  festivals,  dinners,  socials  and  various  forms  of 
entertainments  in  order  to  make  money  to  carry  on  the  im- 
portant work  before  them  and  to  maintain  a  social  atmos- 
phere in  the  Church.  Several  ladies  have  made  liberal  dona- 
tions to  the  society  and  have  in  this  way  aided  very  mate- 
rially. As  each  year  came  around  the  demands  were  greater. 
The  ladies  of  the  church  from  an  early  date  have  been  in 
charge  of  the  interior  decorations  of  the  church  and  the  Sun- 
day School  rooms  and  have  provided  all  linen,  silver  and 
china  and  have  equipped  the  kitchen  with  all  furnishings 
and  necessary  articles.  The  Woman's  Society  now  has  the 
above  matters  of  business  to  look  after,  not  only  in  the 
church  itself,  but  also  in  the  Westminster  House,  which  was 
formerly  the  manse,  and  in  the  new  manse  on  Yankee  Road. 
After  the  flood  of  1913  it  became  necessary  to  refurnish  the 
church  and  manse  and  the  burdens  were  heavy  for  a  time. 
The  late  war  also  made  great  demands,  but  the  ladies  were 
never  found  wanting,  and  during  these  trying  times  the  so- 
ciety did  much  work  for  the  Red  Cross  as  well  as  kept  up  its 
usual  work  for  the  Middletown  Hospital,  the  County  Chil- 
dren's Home  and  for  the  sick  and  needy  in  our  own  town. 

It  seems  only  fitting  that  we  should  mention  that  Mrs. 
Charles  S.  Barnitz  was  the  first  President  of  The  Woman's 
Society  after  it  was  regularly  organized  and  that  she  held 
that  office  for  many  years.  From  some  records  kept  by  Mrs. 
Barnitz,  together  with  the  minutes  of  the  society,  it  is  possi- 
ble to  make  up  almost  a  complete  list  of  the  ladies  who  have 
served  as  President  of  the  Society  since  1860.  Following 
is  the  list  of  names  of  those  who  have  been  honored  by  bein^^ 
given  the  privilege  of  serving  in  this  capacity  since  that 
date : 

Mrs.  David  Mumma,  Mrs.  Mary  Furman,  Mrs.  Peter 
Butler,  Mrs.  Stephan  Brown,  Mrs.  J.  B.  Morton,  Mrs.  Joseph 
Hilt,  Mrs.  Eliza  Wampler,  Mrs.  Thos.  Wilson,  Mrs.  Mary 
Hilt,  Mrs.  Alonzo  Brown,  Mrs.  David  Heaton,  Mrs.  Geo.  Ja- 
coby,  Sr.,  Mrs.  Thomas  A.  Hench,  Mrs.  Thos.  Wilson,  Mrs. 
Chas.  B.  Oglesby,  Mrs.  Geo.  C.  Jacoby,  Mrs.  E.  L.  McCallay, 
Mrs.  J.  M.  Iseminger,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Todhunter,  Mrs.  May 
Renick,  Mrs.  Myrtle  Stahl,  Mrs.  J.  L.  Roney,  Mrs.  C.  E. 
Margerum,  Mrs.  R.  L.  McCoy,  Mrs.  O.  F.  Kendle,  Mrs.  Chas. 

69 


Shartle,  Mrs.  Albert  Pardonner,  Mrs.  F.  W.  Becker,  Mrs. 
H.  H.  Goldman. 

Mr.  R.  C.  Phillips,  who  has  been  closely  conyiected  with 
the  work  of  the  men  of  the  Church  for  several  years,  pre- 
pared the  folloiving  paper  on  the  Men's  Organizatioyis  of  the 
Church. 

There  are  no  records  showing  men's  separate  organiza- 
tions in  the  church  prior  to  1905,  but  it  is  a  matter  of  history 
that  there  has  always  been  a  Men's  Bible  Class  in  the  Sunday 
School.  Many  of  the  older  members  will  recall  Dr.  J.  L. 
Thornton's  class,  taught  by  him  for  many  years  preceding 
1905.  He  was  a  very  able,  scholarly  gentleman  and  knew 
the  Bible  thoroughly. 

During  the  winter  of  1905  the  Men's  Bible  Class  was  re- 
organized with  a  very  devoted  and  efficient  corps  of  officers 
that  soon  built  the  class  up  to  an  attendance  of  between  forty 
and  fifty  members  regularly  attending. 

Bi-monthly  meetings  of  a  social  character  were  held,  but 
the  main  reason  for  the  success  of  the  class  at  that  time  was 
the  splendid  spiritual  teaching  of  the  leader  of  the  class, 
Prof.  Geo.  G.  Stahl — who  knew  his  Bible  and  loved  it,  and 
who  had  a  strong  desire  at  all  times  to  spread  the  Gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ  among  men.  For  three  years  Prof.  Stahl  taught 
the  class  up  until  the  time  he  left  his  position  as  Principal 
of  the  Middletown  High  School  to  go  to  the  Chicago  Univer- 
sity, where,  after  a  service  of  one  year,  he  passed  on  to  the 
Higher  Life.  His  memory  remains  with  the  members  of 
the  class  as  a  delightful  reminder  of  what  one  man  can  ac- 
complish by  consecration  and  what  all  may  do  by  co-opera- 
tion. 

Among  the  members  who  always  were  in  attendance 
was  Samuel  Davis  Long,  a  dear  old  man  of  near  eighty  years, 
who  never  missed  a  meeting,  who  became  so  infirm  that  he 
neither  saw  nor  heard  much  of  what  was  going  on,  but 
whose  regular  attendance  and  presence  alone  was  an  in- 
spiration. 

The  Men's  Class  grew  in  numbers  until  some  definite  plan 
of  men's  work  in  the  Church  outside  of  the  Bible  Class  at- 
tendance was  called  into  action  by  the  organization  of  the 

70 


Presbyterian  Brotherhood  on  January  24,  1907,  following 
the  National  Convention  at  Indianapolis.  At  a  meeting  held 
in  the  dining  rooms  of  the  Church  on  that  date,  with  sixty 
charter  members  present,  Mr.  R.  C.  Phillips  was  elected 
President.  Following  very  soon  after  the  Junior  Brother- 
hood was  organized  with  R.  C.  Todd  as  leader. 

These  two  organizations  grew  until  in  1909  the  united 
membership  was  about  two  hundred  and  fifty,  and  the  de- 
mand came  for  something  more  definite  in  the  way  of  boys' 
work,  and,  through  the  generosity  of  some  of  the  men  in  the 
class,  the  lower  floor  of  the  old  Y.  M.  C.  A.  building,  at  Sec- 
ond and  Broadway,  was  secured  and  a  very  successful  year's 
work  was  inaugurated.  It  was  a  pretentious  thing  for  a  sin- 
gle church  to  attempt,  but  success  crowned  our  eff'orts. 

The  Junior  Brotherhood  had  as  its  President  at  this  time 
Homer  Edson,  now  of  Washington,  D.  C.  Other  boys  promi- 
nent in  the  work  at  this  time  were  Harry  Elwood,  Wm. 
Hoover,  Paul  Ford,  Paul  Banker,  Percival  Johnson  and 
about  all  the  boys  of  the  Sunday  School  between  the  ages  of 
twelve  and  eighteen  years. 

During  the  year  1911  the  boys  published  a  very  creditable 
monthly  magazine,  "The  Fellow/' 

The  Presbyterian  Brotherhood  about  this  time  began  to 
attract  the  attention  of  the  other  Protestant  churches  of 
Middletown,  and  in  1912  we  turned  over  to  the  churches  of 
Middletown  the  fruit  of  our  five  years  of  denominational 
work  and  opened  the  doors  of  the  association  to  all  the  men 
and  youth  of  our  city  of  the  Protestant  faith,  and  the  Pres- 
byterian Brotherhood  Association  became  the  Brotherhood 
Association  of  Middletown, 

The  purpose  of  the  organization  was  at  all  times  to  be  as 
helpful  and  as  useful  as  possible  to  men  and  the  youth  of  our 
city  and  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  proper  upbuilding, 
moral,  social  and  educational,  of  the  city. 

The  motto  of  the  old  organization  was  as  follows :  "I  ex- 
pect to  pass  through  this  life  but  once.  If,  therefore,  there 
be  any  kindness  that  I  can  show  or  any  good  thing  that  I  can 
do,  let  me  do  it  now.  Let  me  not  neglect  it  or  defer  it  for  I 
shall  not  pass  this  way  again." 

In   February,    1917,  the   Brotherhood   Association   was 

71 


merged  in  the  present  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  with  the  first  President 
of  the  old  Presbyterian  Brotherhood  Association  as  Chair- 
man of  the  Board. 

The  men  of  our  church  may  always  look  back  on  the  years 
intervening  between  1907  and  1912  as  very  profitable,  fruit- 
ful years. 

During  the  spring  of  1919  The  Westminster  Club,  a  sep- 
arate men's  organization  in  our  Church,  was  eff'ected,  with 
the  co-operation  of  the  present  pastor.  Rev.  Bernard  J. 
Brinkema.  Calvin  W.  Verity  was  chosen  President,  John 
T.  Williamson,  Secretary  ,and  Paul  D.  Silveus,  Treasurer. 
The  Westminster  Club  hopes  to  continue  and  extend  the 
works  of  the  old  Presbyterian  Brotherhood,  and  cordially 
invites  every  man  in  the  Church  to  become  a  member  of  this 
organization  and  do  his  part  in  spreading  the  Gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ  among  the  men  of  Middletown. 

The  following  brief  account  of  the  Sunday  School  is  sub- 
mitted by  the  History  Committee. 

The  Sunday  School  has  very  properly  been  called  the 
"Church  in  action."  It  is  the  source  from  which  comes  the 
inspiration  for  much  of  our  Church  work  and  the  recruit- 
ing field  for  ''Soldiers  of  the  Cross."  Since  this  is  true  we  re- 
gret that  we  cannot  give  a  connected  history  of  our  Sunday 
School  from  its  foundation  to  the  present  day,  showing  its 
growth  and  naming  those  who  in  years  gone  by  have  labored 
and  sacrificed  for  its  welfare.  The  records  kept  by  the  Sun- 
day School  in  the  past  consist  only  of  the  attendance,  collec- 
tion and  like  statistical  information.  Although  these  num- 
bers are  interesting,  yet  they  do  not  indicate  the  real  work 
of  the  Sunday  School,  for  figures  are,  after  all,  so  meaning- 
less, especially  when  applied  to  spiritual  work.  There  has 
been  given  in  the  story  of  our  Church  those  facts  concerning 
the  Sunday  School  of  which  note  was  made  in  the  records  of 
the  Session  and  of  the  Congregational  meetings.  In  the 
Church  Organization  has  been  printed  the  present  oflfiicers 
and  teachers  of  the  various  departments  and  classes  of  the 
Sunday  School. 

However,  it  seems  fitting  that  something  more  be  said  of 
those  men  and  women  who  labored  so  zealously  and  consci- 

72 


entiously  in  our  Sunday  School  in  past  years,  even  if  we  must 
rely  on  memory  alone  and  cannot  name  all  who  deserve 
recognition. 

Among  the  Superintendents  of  the  School  of  an  earlier 
day  were  Horace  P.  Clough,  Alexander  Hill,  Sr,,  and  James 
Hill,  all  of  whom  were  men  of  firm  religious  convictions  and 
whose  lives  had  a  permanent  influence  on  the  boys  and  girls 
of  their  day.  Their  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  School  were  very 
successful.  At  a  later  date  Mr.  Murray  Schenck  was  for 
several  years  the  Superintendent.  He  put  into  the  work  the 
vigor  of  his  young  manhood  and  succeeded  in  building  up 
the  School.  Mr.  Schenck  is  now  living  at  Artesia,  New  Mex- 
ico. In  his  work  in  our  School  some  of  his  able  assistants 
were  Miss  Jennie  Marston,  Assistant  Superintendent,  Mr. 
J.  K.  Thomas,  Musical  Director,  and  Mrs.  Irene  Dickey,  Or- 
ganist. In  a  Church  Bulletin,  published  at  that  time,  1887, 
mention  is  made  of  the  death  of  Miss  Nellie  Gardner,  and  it 
was  said  of  her  that  in  the  eleven  years  during  which  she 
had  been  a  teacher  in  the  Sunday  School,  she  had  never  re- 
mained away  from  the  School  without  providing  a  teacher 
for  her  class  or  sending  a  note  explaining  her  absence,  and 
that  when  one  of  her  class  was  absent  for  two  successive 
Sundays  she  never  failed  to  visit  that  member  to  find  out  the 
reason  for  the  absence  and  to  endeavor  to  get  him  back  into 
the  class. 

At  a  somewhat  later  date  Mr.  W.  K.  Rhonemus  was 
elected  Superintendent.  He  loved  the  work  and  the  School 
and  took  a  special  interest  in  the  Primary  and  Intermediate 
Departments.  He  spent  much  time  and  effort  in  the  work 
and  when  he  felt  that  he  should  give  up  the  Superintendency 
he  continued  to  attend  and  to  assist  in  many  ways  until  fail- 
ing health  compelled  him  to  desist. 

Mr.  R.  C.  Phillips,  the  present  Superintendent,  is  untir- 
ing in  his  efforts  not  only  to  maintain  the  high  standard 
gained  by  the  School,  but  also  to  advance  it  in  every  way. 
The  School  is  well  organized  and  we  have  every  reason  to  be 
encouraged  and  to  go  forward  hopefully. 

Mention  should  be  made  of  two  Sabbath  Schools  organ- 
ized by  members  of  this  School  and  Pastors  of  our  Church. 
About  1870  our  Pastor  and  some  members  from  our  School 

73 


conducted  a  School  at  Jacksonburg  for  quite  a  while  and 
until  it  was  able  to  support  itself.  The  School  met  in  the 
afte.noon  and  was  followed  by  preaching  by  the  Pastor  of 
our  Church.  Somewhat  later  a  School  was  organized  at 
Poasttown.  Here,  as  at  Jacksonburg,  the  Pastor  held 
preaching  service  after  the  Sunday  School. 

The  follotving  accou7it  of  the  work  of  the  young  people  in 
our  Church  ivas  prepared  by  Miss  Margaret  Johnso7i,  one  of 
our  members  who  is  active  in  the  work  of  the  yourig  people 
of  our  Church  and  city. 

Active  work  among  the  young  people  of  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Church  was  one  of  the  outgrowths  of  a  revival 
which  occurred  during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Clokey.  A  letter 
written  by  him  to  the  congregation  at  the  time  of  his  de- 
parture contains  this  passage:  "Can  we  ever  forget  in  the 
spring  of  '77  that  beautiful  sight  of  children  from  the  ages 
of  7  to  14  crowding  the  study  for  special  prayer?  Out  of 
this  same  awakening  came  our  Young  People's  Association. 
This  association  has  indeed  been  a  phenomenon.  Ninety- 
seven  of  our  youth  and  children  have  signed  its  constitution. 
Its  meetings  have  been  continued  for  more  than  a  year  and  a 
half  with  an  attendance  seldom  below  50  and  often  rising 
to  70  or  80." 

An  accurate  history  of  the  work  is  not  possible  as  there 
are  no  available  records.  This  account  has  been  gleaned 
from  some  Church  Bulletins  of  1885  to  1887,  published  under 
Dr.  Hershey's  ministry,  and  from  the  recollections  of  some 
of  our  church  members.  The  Y.  F.  M.,  Young  Folks'  Meet- 
ing, as  it  is  spoken  of  in  these  old  monthly  bulletins,  was  held 
at  6  :30  on  Sunday  evening.  The  names  of  the  two  leaders 
for  the  month  and  the  topics  and  references  were  published 
each  month  in  the  bulletin  just  below  the  sermon  topics. 
The  Y.  F.  M.  was  not  the  only  organization  among  the  youth 
of  the  church.  Soon  after  her  arrival  here  Mrs.  Hershey 
formed  a  mission  band  for  girls  which  was  quite  active  for  a 
number  of  years.  We  find  the  name  of  the  President  of 
this  band  of  "Willing  Workers"  always  printed  in  the  Offi- 
cial Register.  In  the  bulletin  for  October,  1885,  is  this  no- 
tice :  "The  Pauline  Band,  composed  of  about  a  dozen  young 

75 


men,  has  been  formed  for  exercise  in  prayer  and  religious 
conversation.  It  meets  every  other  Sabbath  after  Sunday 
School  in  the  study.  It  is  hoped  much  good  may  be  done  by 
this  Band  this  winter." 

It  may  have  been  that  the  enthusiasm  for  Y.  F.  M.  had 
been  growing  somewhat  less  with  the  passing  of  the  years. 
At  any  rate,  in  November,  1886,  a  Young  Folks'  Union  was 
organized.  Its  constitution  together  with  the  following  edi- 
torial appears  in  the  bulletin  for  that  month:  "A  Young 
Folks'  Union  of  this  Church  has  been  formed.  The  Pauline 
Band  has  been  merged  into  it.  It  is  simply  the  young  folks 
of  the  Church  organized  for  religious  improvement  and 
church  work.  It  started  out  with  fifteen  members,  which  is 
promising.  The  idea  is  that  every  young  Christian  should 
be  actively  engaged  in  some  kind  of  work  looking  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  interests  of  the  church." 

This  organization  grew  in  activity  and  numbers.  It  had 
frequent  visitors  from  young  people  of  the  other  churches 
in  the  town.  They  considered  it  a  treat  to  be  present  at  the 
inspirational  meetings.  A  scholarship  for  an  Alaskan  boy 
was  begun  and  the  Union  contributed  $30.00  annually  for 
his  support.  The  money  was  raised  largely  from  the  weekly 
pledges  of  the  members.  It  was  from  the  members  of  this 
Union  that  the  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  was  formed  in 
1891  under  Mr.  McCampbell's  influence.  About  25  young 
people  took  the  pledge  which  was  the  same  as  the  present 
day  Christian  Endeavor  pledge. 

During  the  first  years  of  its  life  the  Christian  Endeavor 
was  a  notable  factor  in  the  life  of  the  Church.  Its  Sunday 
evening  meetings  were  interesting  and  well  attended.  Those 
who  did  not  care  to  sign  the  pledge  were  made  very  welcome 
and  the  attendance  grew.  The  monthly  socials  at  the  homes 
of  the  members  were  very  much  enjoyed.  The  missionary 
spirit  developed  in  various  ways.  The  Society  continued 
the  support  of  the  native  Alaskan  boy  at  the  Sitka  Mission, 
which  was  begun  by  the  Y.  F.  U.  In  the  churches  of  neigh- 
boring towns  and  villages  societies  were  organized  through 
the  influence  of  delegates  sent  from  our  church.  The  fra- 
ternal spirit  was  fostered  by  local  conventions.  Memorable 
were  the  occasions  on  which  large  bus  loads  drove  to  Mon- 

76 


roe,  Springboro,  Franklin  and  Trenton  to  attend  such  gath- 
erings. In  1892  a  delegate  was  sent  to  the  National  conven- 
tion in  New  York  City.  Later  delegates  were  sent  to  state 
conventions,  always  with  enthusiastic  results,  for  the  Chris- 
tian Endeavor  was  at  its  height  through  the  whole  country 
during  those  years.  One  of  the  delegates  to  a  state  conven- 
tion at  Springfield  tells  of  the  interest  and  enthusiasm 
which  sent  thirteen  coaches  of  young  folks  from  the  state 
convention  to  attend  in  a  body  the  national  convention  at 
Cleveland  immediately  following, 

A  Junior  C.  E.  was  organized  in  the  winter  of  1893  and 
existed  for  several  years.  It  died  for  lack  of  leadership.  It 
may  have  been  for  this  same  cause  that  the  Senior  C.  E.  lost 
its  spirit.  The  early  members  assumed  other  places  in  the 
life  of  the  church  and  many  of  the  young  people  moved  away 
from  town.  Perhaps  the  younger  generation  failed  to  as- 
sume the  responsibility  which  descended  to  them  and  no 
doubt  the  most  thrilling  part  of  the  work  had  already  been 
accomplished  with  the  organization  of  other  Endeavor  So- 
cieties. During  the  past  twenty  years  the  Society  has  had 
many  periods  of  flourishing  growth  and  an  equal  number  of 
depressions.  The  Young  People's  work  is  at  this  time  in  a 
transitional  period.  It  is  hoped  the  New  Era  Movement  will 
be  attended  by  a  new  development  and  an  awakening  to  the 
end  that  the  young  people  may  again  assume  their  proper 
place  in  the  activities  of  the  Church. 

There  have  been  other  phases  of  young  people's  work 
since  1900  which  should  be  mentioned.  The  Y.  M.  C.  A.  in 
Middletown  had  its  foundation  in  the  Presbyterian  Brother- 
hood, an  active  and  earnest  organization  of  the  men  and 
boys  of  our  church.  There  was  a  wide  awake  Mission  Band 
for  young  High  School  girls  during  1908  and  1909  under  the 
direction  of  Mrs.  W.  H.  Johnson.  Just  after  the  Lyon  meet- 
ings in  1912,  which  were  followed  in  our  church  by  Mr. 
Mitchell's  choir  work,  there  was  a  girls'  choir  which  later 
was  organized  into  the  Busy  Bees  by  Mrs.  D.  G.  Smith.  It 
was  the  last  active  mission  work  in  our  church  for  children. 


77 


5r 


THE  CENTENNIAL  AND  HOME  COMING 
CELEBRATION. 

Many  of  the  members  of  our  Church  had  been  looking 
forward  for  several  years  to  the  time  when  the  Centennial 
Anniversary  would  be  celebrated.  No  definite  steps  of  prep- 
aration for  this  event  were  taken,  however,  until  April  23, 
1919,  at  which  time  the  Session  appointed  a  Committee  con- 
sisting of  H.  S.  Wise,  Chairman,  C.  E.  Margerum,  G.  N. 
Clapp,  R.  C.  Phillips,  Mrs.  Anna  Barnitz,  Mrs.  Kate  A. 
Oglesby  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Kirkpatrick,  "to  have  charge 
of  planning  and  carrying  out  a  program  in  celebration  of 
£ind  commemorating  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the 
founding  of  our  Church."  At  a  meeting  of  the  committee 
held  soon  afterward,  the  v/eek  of  October  19th  to  26th,  inclu- 
sive, 1919,  was  selected  as  the  date  for  the  celebration. 
About  the  same  time  the  following  sub-committees  were  ap- 
pointed :  Committee  to  design,  purchase  and  erect  upon  the 
walls  of  the  Church  a  bronze  tablet  bearing  the  names  of  the 
pastors  who  have  served  in  our  Church  from  its  organiza- 
tion and  the  dates  of  the  pastorates,  C.  E.  Margerum,  Chair- 
man ,  G.  N.  Clapp  and  W.  H.  Johnson ;  Committee  to  estab- 
lish in  the  church  an  endowment  fund  for  Missions,  R.  C. 
Phillips,  Chairman,  R.  C.  Vanderveer  and  F.  O.  Diver; 
Committee  to  prepare  and  have  printed  a  History  of  the 
Church,  C.  E.  Burke,  Chairman,  Miss  Josephine  LaTourrette 
and  Bennett  Chappie. 

Many  meetings  were  held  by  these  various  committees 
and  with  the  co-operation  of  the  Pastor  and  the  members  of 
the  church  the  work  moved  along  smoothly  and  when  the 
time  for  the  celebration  arrived  a  program  had  been  pre- 
pared which  was  to  prove  interesting  and  inspiring.  Prof. 
J.  Raymond  Hemminger,  of  Carlisle,  Pa.,  was  secured  to 
have  charge  of  the  music  for  the  week.  A  large  chorus  prac- 
ticed so  faithfully  for  several  days  before  the  opening  of  the 
celebration  that  the  chorus  selections,  solos,  duets  and  quar- 
tets added  much  to  the  success  of  the  program.  Miss  Lulu 
McClellan  presided  at  the  piano  with  Mrs.  Margaret  Geb- 
hart  Clapp  and  Miss  Thelma  Murphy  at  the  organ. 

On  Sunday  morning,  October  19,  the  first  services  of  the 

79 


Centennial  were  held.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  Dr.  W. 
0.  Thompson,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  President  of  Ohio  State  Univer- 
sity, who  eighteen  years  before  at  the  dedication  of  the  pres- 
ent church  building  had  preached  the  dedicatory  sermon. 
The  topic  of  the  sermon  was,  "A  Century  of  Christian  Prog- 
ress." Dr.  Thompson  reviewed  the  great  achievements  of 
the  past  century  in  all  lines  of  human  endeavor  tending  to 
elevate  mankind.  His  message  was  one  of  optimism  for  the 
future  of  the  world  and  especially  of  our  own  America.  "The 
supremacy  of  righteousness  will  be  recognized  and  the  wel- 
fare of  all  will  be  definitely  defined."  At  this  service  Rev. 
Bernard  J.  Brinkema  presided.  Rev.  W.  Hamill  Shields, 
D.  D.,  read  the  Scripture  lesson,  and  Rev.  David  Garrett 
Smith  offered  the  prayer.  The  service  was  an  inspiration  to 
the  large  congregation  in  attendance. 

At  the  evening  service  on  this  day  Mr.  Harry  S.  Wise, 
Chairman  of  the  Centennial  Committee,  presided.  After  a 
song  service  lasting  one-half  hour.  Rev.  W.  Hamill  Shields, 
D.  D.,  a  former  pastor  of  this  Church,  preached  on  the  sub- 
ject, "Elijah  under  the  Juniper  Tree — Spiritual  Reaction." 
Dr.  Shields  brought  a  message  of  encouragement,  yet  one  oi 
warning.  He  pleaded  for  an  awakening  of  and  a  new  real- 
ization of  the  individual  responsibility  of  the  church  mem- 
ber. 

On  Monday  evening  the  services  were  in  charge  of  The 
Woman's  Society  of  the  Church.  Mrs.  H.  H.  Goldman,  Pres- 
ident of  the  Society,  presided.  Rev.  J.  King  Gibson,  D.  D., 
who  has  been  a  member  of  the  Dayton  Presbytery  for  forty 
years,  and  Stated  Clerk  for  twenty-one  years,  brought  to  us 
greetings  from  the  Dayton  Presbytery.  Rev.  S.  Hall  Young, 
D.  D.,  delivered  an  illustrated  lecture  on  Alaska.  This  mes- 
sage proved  most  interesting  and  emphasized  one  great  de- 
partment of  church  work,  Home  Missions. 

The  services  on  Tuesday  evening  were  in  charge  of  the 
Westminster  Men's  Club.  Mr.  Calvin  W.  Verity,  President 
of  the  Club,  presided.  The  congregation  of  the  Oakland 
Presbyterian  Church  attended  this  service  in  a  body  and  a 
salutation  for  that  Church  was  given  by  its  pastor,  Rev. 
Wendel  F.  Foster.  Rev.  C.  W.  Sullivan,  pastor  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  of  Middletown,  brought  greetings 

80 


from  the  churches  of  the  city.  A  pleasing  feature  of  this 
service  was  a  quartette  sung  by  Prof.  Hemminger,  two  for- 
mer pastors,  Mr.  Shields  and  Mr.  Smith,  and  the  present 
pastor,  Mr.  Brinkema.  The  address  of  the  evening  was  de- 
livered by  Rev.  C.  F.  Wishart,  D.  D.,  President  of  Wooster 
College.  Dr.  Wishart  pleaded  for  a  rededication  of  the 
spirit  of  self-sacrifice.  He  said  that  in  peace  we  must  find 
the  moral  equivalent  of  war.  "Are  we  going  to  carry  the 
sacrificial  ideals  of  war  over  into  the  constructive  ideals  of 
peace,  and  are  we  going  to  carry  on  the  wonderful  ideals  of 
the  war?"  the  speaker  asked.  All  present  were  urged  to 
make  every  effort  to  do  his  part  in  meeting  the  duties  and 
obligations  lately  given  to  the  Church  and  to  the  Nation. 

A  dinner  was  served  by  the  women  of  the  Church  to  the 
Congregation  and  visiting  friends  on  Wednesday  evening 
at  6  o'clock.  After  a  social  half  hour  services  were  held  in 
the  auditorium  of  the  Church.  The  program  of  the  evening 
was  in  charge  of  the  Woman's  Missionary  Society.  Mrs.  E. 
C.  Woodward,  President  of  this  Society,  presided.  Quite  a 
number  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Blue  Ball  Presbyterian 
Church  attended  this  service  and  greetings  were  brought  by 
them  through  Rev.  James  E.  Harris,  their  pastor.  Homer 
Edson,  who  a  few  years  ago  accomplished  so  much  good 
work  with  the  boys  in  Middletown,  and  who  had  lately  re- 
turned from  war  work  with  the  Red  Cross,  reviewed  briefly 
the  home  mission  work  that  had  been  done  in  Middletown 
and  spoke  of  the  work  yet  to  be  done.  The  address  of  the 
evening  was  delivered  by  Rev.  Scott  F.  Hershey,  Ph.D., 
LL.  D.,  a  former  pastor  of  this  Church,  Dr.  Hershey  took 
as  his  subject,  "The  Outlook  and  the  Forelook."  He  spoke 
of  the  great  responsibility  that  our  country  has  been  called 
upon  to  face.  "It  is  as  if  God  has  thrown  open  the  door  to 
the  United  States  and  said,  'Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and 
teach,'  "  said  the  speaker.  "We  have  our  heritage  and  we 
must  and  will  live  up  to  our  responsibilities  in  it." 

During  the  service  of  this  evening  the  electric  lights 
went  off  and  could  not  be  turned  on  again  for  several  min- 
utes. Candles  used  on  the  dinner  tables  a  short  time  before 
were  brought  into  the  auditorium  and  we  were  given  a  vivid 


81 


illustration  of  how  the  Churches  were  lighted  one  hundred 
years  ago. 

Thursday  night  was  known  as  "Sunday  School  Night." 
The  services  on  this  occasion  were  presided  over  by  Mr.  R. 
C.  Phillips,  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School,  A  dele- 
gation from  the  "New  Jersey"  church,  of  Carlisle,  was  pres- 
ent and  a  short  address  was  made  by  Rev.  John  L.  Robin- 
son, pastor  of  that  Church.  The  elders  from  the  "New  Jer- 
sey" Church  presided  at  the  organization  of  our  Church 
One  Hundred  years  ago.  The  speaker  of  the  evening  was 
Rev.  George  N.  Luccock,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  the  College  Church, 
Wooster,  Ohio.  Dr.  Luccock  spoke  on  the  subject,  "The 
Church  at  School."  He  dwelt  upon  four  things  required  to 
make  a  school — teachers,  learners,  ideals  and  the  home.  "AJl 
the  equipment  in  the  world  cannot  make  a  good  school.  Only 
the  personality  of  the  teacher  can  do  that."  The  speaker 
declared  that  various  influences  are  working  to  disrupt  the 
home ;  that,  in  fact,  the  only  institution  that  does  not  disrupt 
the  home  is  the  Christian  Church. 

The  address  on  Friday  evening  was  delivered  by  Rev. 
Joseph  A.  Vance,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  pastor  of  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Church,  Detroit,  Michigan.  Dr.  Vance  took  as  his 
subject,  "The  Call  of  the  Church  to  the  Youth."  The  speaker 
emphasized  the  part  the  younger  generation  will  take  in  the 
rebuilding  of  the  nations.  He  said  that  it  has  been  the  am- 
bition of  each  department  of  the  church  to  maintain  its  own 
existence,  but  now  we  are  realizing  that  all  departments 
must  be  united  in  order  to  progress.  "Christians  are  com- 
ing to  have  a  greater  appreciation  of  what  it  means  to  be  a 
Christian  and  the  passion  for  Christ  and  humanity  is  becom- 
ing stronger  in  the  life  of  the  Christian,"  said  Dr.  Vance. 
This  service  was  in  charge  of  the  young  people  of  the 
Church.  Miss  Margaret  Johnson,  who  has  been  active  for 
the  last  few  years  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  the  young  peo- 
ple of  our  church  and  city,  presided  at  this  meeting.  Two 
features  of  the  service  were  a  solo  by  Mr.  Hemminger,  "I 
Know  He  Cares,"  and  a  whistling  solo  by  Miss  Lulu  Mc- 
Clellan. 

Sunday  was  the  closing  day  of  the  Centennial  celebration. 
At  the  morning  service  Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith,  a  former 

82 


pastor,  preached  the  sermon  on  the  subject,  "The  Genera- 
tions and  the  Perfecting  of  Life."  Mr.  Smith  told  of  the  heri- 
tage of  the  Church  through  its  long  generations  of  service 
and  emphasized  how  the  perfecting  of  life  was  connected 
both  with  the  past  and  the  future.  He  said  that  we  do  not 
live  to  ourselves,  but  that  ''through  the  ages  one  incessant 
purpose  runs,"  and  that  the  call  is  stronger  today  than  ever 
before  for  the  individual  Christian  to  do  his  full  part  in 
bringing  about  the  "one  divine  event  toward  which  the  whole 
creation  moves."  Mr.  G.  N.  Clapp,  an  elder  in  this  Church 
since  1892,  presided  at  the  morning  service. 

Rev.  John  B.  Ferguson,  pastor  of  the  Hopewell  Presby- 
terian Church,  Franklin,  Indiana,  preached  in  the  evening. 
Mr.  Ferguson  was  a  former  member  of  our  Church  and  a 
teacher  in  the  local  High  School  and  was  warmly  welcomed 
on  his  return  for  this  occasion.  He  took  as  the  subject  for 
his  sermon,  "The  Heart  of  the  Church."  He  made  a  strong 
plea  for  the  worship  of  God  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Mr.  Carl 
F.  Williamson,  an  elder  in  our  Church,  presided  at  this  serv- 
ice. A  feature  of  the  program  for  the  evening  was  a  piano 
solo  by  Miss  Lulu  McClellan,  an  arrangement  of  "Savior, 
Like  a  Shepherd  Lead  Us." 

Within  the  week  on  different  occasions  the  Endowment 
Fund  Committee  made  reports  as  to  the  plans  it  had  formu- 
lated.   On  Sunday  the  following  announcement  was  read  : 

"The  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  our  Church  calls  to  our 
minds  the  many  years  of  blessing  God  has  bestowed  upon  us, 
and  it  seems  fitting  at  this  time  that  some  permanent  foun- 
dation should  be  constructed  that  would  in  a  way  reflect  our 
thanks. 

"Since  the  basis  of  our  present  day  Christian  life  is 
service,  unselfish  service,  we  feel  that  we  should  lay  aside  the 
thought  of  doing  something  as  a  church  for  ourselves,  some- 
thing that  might  in  a  way  be  a  memorial  to  this  Centennial 
Anniversary  and  perhaps  add  to  our  own  comfort  and  pleas- 
ure, and  should  support  some  project  or  movement  that 
means  service  to  others  not  so  fortunate  as  we. 

"It  has  been  proposed  that  we  create  at  this  time  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  Missionary  Endowment  Fund 
for  Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  and  that  this  fund  be  es- 
tablished now,  by  contributions  from  our  membership.    The 

83 


joy  of  giving  while  living  is  much  more  satisfactory  than 
waiting  till  life's  end  and  then  giving.  Some  prefer  the  lat- 
ter, however,  and  if  you  do,  we  urgently  request  you  to  pro- 
vide in  a  will  some  substantial  remembrance  for  this  fund. 
The  money  is  to  be  carefully  invested  by  the  proper  church 
authorities  and  the  interest  on  the  investment  to  go  toward 
the  support  solely  of  Home  and  Foreign  Missions.  You  will 
thus  help  to  create  and  institute  a  fund  that  will  be  a  lasting 
memorial  to  yourself  and  to  your  beloved  Church. 

"This  action  has  the  approval  of  the  General  Assembly 
and  many  churches  are  becoming  interested  along  the  same 
lines. 

"Our  Church  has  no  debt  and  we  should  have  no  difficulty 
in  starting  at  this  time  a  substantial  endowment  fund  that 
will  in  a  few  years  support  in  a  substantial  way  the  cause  of 
Missions,  Home  and  Foreign." 

It  was  stated  that  subscription  cards  would  soon  be  sent 
to  all  members  of  the  Congregation  and  a  liberal  response 
was  requested.  Prospects  are  most  promising  that  this  plan 
will  be  very  successful  and  that  our  church  will  soon  have  a 
large  missionary  endowment  fund  as  a  "Centennial  Me- 
morial." 

The  Memorial  Tablet  Committee  reported  that  the  tablet 
containing  the  names  of  all  the  ministers  who  had  served  in 
the  Church  since  its  organization  had  been  purchased  but  de- 
livery had  been  delayed  and  the  tablet  could  not  be  erected 
during  Centennial  week  as  had  been  hoped. 

The  History  Committee  announced  that  the  history  was 
practically  completed  and  would  be  ready  for  the  printer  as 
soon  as  a  brief  account  of  the  Centennial  Week  program 
could  be  prepared,  and  that  it  was  hoped  that  "The  Story  of 
a  Hundred  Years"  would  be  ready  for  distribution  in  about 
three  weeks. 

Centennial  Week  was  all  that  had  been  expected  and  even 
more.  It  was  a  week  of  real  enjoyment  and  blessing,  not 
only  for  members  of  our  own  church,  but  also  for  many 
others  who  regularly  attended  the  services.  The  attendance 
at  all  the  meetings  was  good.  The  music  was  inspiring  and 
all  the  messages  helpful  and  encouraging.  Because  ;of  the 
activities  of  this  Great  Week,  we  are  looking  ahead  with 
greater  hope  and  courage. 

84 


MEMORABILIA. 

Under  this  heading  are  given  several  items  of  interest  in 
our  Church  life  which  for  different  reaso7is  have  7iot  been 
woven  into  other  parts  of  our  Sto7'y. 

On  July  26,  1900,  the  Dicks  Creek-Blue  Ball  Presbyte- 
rian Church  Centennial  celebration  was  held.  At  that  serv- 
ice Rev.  Charles  E.  Walker,  Ph.  D.,  Hartwell,  Ohio,  deliv- 
ered a  very  interesting  address  on  the  history  of  that  church, 
hi  that  address  the  statement  was  made  that  up  to  that  time 
about  thirty-five  members  had  bee7i  dismissed  from  that 
Church  to  the  Middletoivfi  Presbyterian  Church.  For  this 
reason  and  in  vieiv  of  the  fact  that  the  early  history  of  the 
Dicks  Ci'eek  Church  is  also  the  history  of  our  Church  it  was 
decided  to  reprint  the  folloiviyig  paragraphs  from  Mr. 
Walker's  address. 

"Presbyterianism  came  into  Ohio  with  the  first  settlers. 

A  majority  in  that  party  of  twenty-six  men  who  landed 
near  what  is  now  the  foot  of  Sycamore  Street,  Cincinnati, 
December  28,  1788,  were  Presbyterians,  Almost  immedi- 
ately they  took  steps  to  secure  a  meeting  place  for  worship, 
Town  lots  were  donated  and  in  due  time  a  house  of  worship 
was  erected — the  first  Presbyterian  Church  in  Ohio.  These 
lots  are  still  owned  and  occupied  by  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Cincinnati.  This  is  the  Mother  Church  of  the 
Dicks  Creek-Blue  Ball  Church,  and  no  one  had  more  to  do 
with  its  organization  and  maintenance  than  the  two  men 
who  first  served  this  pioneer  church  as  pastors. 

Because  of  trouble  with  the  Indians,  the  settlers  on  the 
river  did  not  venture  very  far  into  the  interior.  They  kept 
as  close  to  Fort  Washington  as  possible.  When  going  to  the 
fields  to  work,  or  even  to  church  to  worship,  it  was  neces- 
sary to  carry  their  guns  for  protection. 

In  1794  Gen.  Wayne,  who  had  been  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  army,  succeeded  in  doing  what  Gen.  St.  Clair 
had  failed  to  accomplish.  He  gained  a  complete  victory  over 
the  Indians,  destroyed  their  power  and  compelled  them  to 
cede  to  the  United  States  all  claims  to  territory  lying  east 
of  the  Great  Miami  River. 

The  danger  from  the  Indians  now  being  almost  entirely 

85 


removed,  the  tide  of  immigration  set  in  with  great  activity. 
Abandoned  settlements  were  reclaimed  and  many  new  ones 
were  made  on  the  fertile  plains  of  the  Miamis  and  the 
streams  feeding  these  rivers. 

This  beautiful  Dicks  Creek  Valley  was  soon  sighted  and 
chosen.  In  1795  a  man  named  Dick,  or  Dicks,  entered  the 
section  of  land  in  Warren  County  known  as  Section  33.  This 
gentleman  gave  his  name  to  the  stream  that  runs  through 
this  section,  though  he  himself  never  lived  in  this  neighbor- 
hood. 

During  the  years  immediately  following  a  number  of 
families  came  from  Dauphin  and  Washington  Counties  in 
Pennsylvania  and  settled  in  the  neighborhood  of  Dicks 
Creek.  Others  came  from  Kentucky,  by  way  of  Fort  Wash- 
ington, and  still  others,  like  Thomas  Hunter  and  his  young 
bride,  came  directly  from  the  "Old  Country." 

Some  of  these  families  were  from  the  old  Hanover  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  Pennsylvania,  and  when  they  came  into 
the  "Far  West"  they  did  not  forget  their  allegiance  to  God 
and  the  church. 

These  hardy  pioneers  were  God-fearing  men,  and  while 
they  labored  to  subdue  the  forests  they  planned  for  the  wor- 
ship and  service  of  God. 

At  this  early  date  there  were  few  houses  in  this  neigh- 
borhood. Choppers'  cabins,  however,  were  giving  way  to 
log  houses.  Some  of  the  foot-paths  or  "trails"  were  being 
widened  and  dignified  with  the  name  "road."  The  travel 
was  almost  wholly  on  foot  or  horseback.  Preachers  rode 
from  ten  to  fifty  miles  to  fill  their  appointments,  and  from 
fifty  to  one  hundred  miles  to  attend  Presbytery,  and  across 
the  mountains  to  Philadelphia  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the 
General  Assembly.  Those  were  the  days  of  magnificent  dis- 
tances, and  the  people  thought  nothing  of  riding,  or  even 
walking,  from  five  to  ten  miles  to  attend  preaching  services. 
They  carried  their  dinners  with  them  and  stayed  all  day. 

In  1803  Joseph  Parks  built  the  first  brick  house  in  War- 
ren County.  It  stood  near  where  the  house  on  Joseph  W. 
Culbertson's  farm  now  stands,  and  was  destroyed  by  fire  in 
1876.  In  this  house,  and  in  the  large  log  barn  near  by,  which 
is  still  standing,  Dicks  Creek  Church  found  a  home  until 

86 


the  erection  of  the  first  church  edifice.  Robert  Parks,  a  son 
of  Joseph  Parks,  lived  on  the  farm  now  owned  and  occupied 
by  James  Eberhart.  In  1810  these  gentlemen,  father  and 
son,  donated  an  acre  of  ground  lying  on  Dicks  Creek,  about 
one  mile  east  of  the  present  village  of  Blue  Ball,  for  a  bury- 
ing-place.  Another  acre  joining  was  leased  for  a  church 
site.  Thus  the  burying-place  became  literally  the  church- 
yard. Another  acre  on  the  west  side  of  the  road  was  leased 
by  Capt.  Wm.  Humphrey,  to  be  used  for  hitching  purposes. 
In  our  day  this  location  seems  an  inconvenient  one,  and  some 
may  have  wondered  why  it  was  chosen  as  a  suitable  place 
for  a  house  of  worship.  It  must  be  remembered  that  there 
was  then  no  village  where  Blue  Ball  now  stands.  It  was  ten 
years  later  when  a  tavern  and  the  few  houses  at  the  new 
cross-roads  was  called  Guilford.  Springs  of  living  water 
frequently  determined  the  location  of  a  house  in  those  days. 
When  people  came  long  distances  to  church  and  remained 
all  day,  it  was  the  part  of  wisdom  to  have  their  churches 
near  to  a  never-failing  spring  of  water  if  possible.  The 
good  spring  at  this  point,  together  with  the  good-will  and 
generosity  of  the  Parks  family,  determined  the  site  of  the 
church.    Here,  in  1810,  our  first  building  was  erected." 

OUR  Church  very  early  in  its  history  began  to  give  to 
missions.  On  July  21,  1822,  a  special  missionary  col- 
lection amounted  to  $5.41 1/>.  This  amount  seems  small  but 
when  we  compare  it  with  the  items  of  expense  even  for  a 
date  twenty  years  later  as  given  elsewhere  herein,  we  see 
that  it  would  enable  some  mission  church  to  hold  several 
services. 

IN  a  "Trustees'  Record"  which  has  been  preserved  we  find 
that  the  pledges  made  in  1828  "for  the  purpose  of  erect- 
ing a  Presbyterian  Meetinghouse  on  a  lot  of  ground  on  the 
lower  or  south  end  of  the  town  of  Middletown,  purchased 
from  Daniel  Doty  for  that  purpose,  between  Main  and  Broad 
streets,"  amounted  to  $868.37yo.  There  were  forty-nine 
contributors.  Several  persons  pledged  fifty  dollars,  this 
amount  being  the  largest  sum  subscribed.  One  subscription 
of  fifty  dollars  was  "to  be  paid  for  in  work."  There  was  one 
pledge  for  seven  dollars  and  twelve  and  one  half  cents. 

87 


Among  the  list  of  subscribers  are  found  several  names  which 
from  that  day  have  been  prominent  in  Middletov^n  history 
and  progress :  Lefferson,  Dubois,  Barcalow,  Caldwell, 
Dickey,  Wycoff,  Banker  and  Doty. 

WHEN  the  first  church  building  was  nearly  completed, 
in  1833,  "it  was  agreed  upon  that  the  pews  be  sold 
upon  draft  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  expense  of  erect- 
ing them,  and  that  John  M.  Barnett,  Peter  Vanderveer  and 
Moses  W.  Karr  be  a  committee  to  draw  a  draft  of  the  pews 
and  number  them."  This  was  done  and  the  sale  made  at 
once.  William  Bates  called  the  sale.  Two  hundred  and  six- 
teen dollars  was  realized  from  this  sale  and  twenty  pews 
were  sold.  The  highest  price  paid  for  a  pew  was  twenty-five 
dollars  and  the  lowest  was  three  dollars. 

AT  a  meeting  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Church,  Febru- 
ary 16,  1833,  "it  was  agreed  upon  to  enter  into  a  con- 
tract with  David  L.  Murry  and  James  A.  Walker  for  the 
erection  of  the  pews  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  that 
an  article  of  agreement  be  entered  into  immediately  for  the 
faithful  performance  of  the  same."  This  article  of  agree- 
ment has  been  preserved  and  is  considered  of  sufficient  in- 
terest and  historical  value  to  justify  its  reproduction  herein. 
A  fac-simile  of  a  part  of  this  contract  is  shown  on  another 
page.    The  contract  in  full  follows ; 

Articles  of  agreement  made,  concluded  upon  and  en- 
tered into  on  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  February  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  thirty-three,  between  David  L. 
Murry  and  James  A.  Walker,  of  the  town  of  Middletown, 
County  of  Butler,  and  State  of  Ohio,  of  the  one  part,  and 
the  trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  Meetinghouse  in  Middle- 
town,  Butler  County,  of  the  other  part,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, that  is  to  say :  The  said  David  L.  Murry  and  James  A. 
Walker,  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  promises,  provi- 
sions and  conditions  hereinafter  contained  and  stipulated 
to  be  done  and  performed  on  the  part  and  behalf  of  the  said 
trustees  aforesaid,  have  and  do  hereby  for  themselves,  their 
heirs,  executors,  and  administrators  jointly  and  severally 
covenant  and  grant  unto  and  with  the  said  trustees  of  the 
Presbyterian  Meetinghouse  that  the  said  David  L.  Murry 


and  James  A.  Walker  shall  find  and  provide  all  manner  of 
suitable  materials  and  build  and  erect,  or  cause  to  be 
erected,  a  good  and  sufficient  set  of  pews  and  box  seats  in  the 
Presbyterian  Meetinghouse  in  Middletown,  in  manner  and 
form  hereinafter  specified  and  within  the  time  herein  lim- 
ited, that  is  to  say,  the  whole  work  is  to  be  completed  on  or 
before  the  first  day  of  June  next  ensuing  this  date.  There 
is  to  be  eighteen  pews  in  front  of  the  pulpit  occupying  the 
center  of  the  house.  Each  pew  is  to  be  eight  feet  six  inches 
in  length,  two  feet  six  inches  in  width,  three  feet  one  inch 
in  hight.  A  partition  is  to  be  made  between  the  center 
block  of  pews.  Each  pew  is  to  have  a  door  to  open  into  the 
aisles  running  on  each  side  of  said  block  of  pews.  The  doors 
are  to  be  made  with  panneled  work,  also  the  front  next  the 
pulpit  to  be  panneled  work  and  the  rear  side  next  the  front 
door  to  be  panneled.  The  seats,  heel  board  and  back  part 
of  said  pews  are  to  be  of  the  best  of  yellow  poplar.  The 
caps,  book  shelf  end  of  the  pews,  doors,  moldings  around 
the  doors  and  anything  else  than  the  seats,  heel  board  and 
back  part  of  the  pews  are  to  be  of  white  pine  of  a  good  qual- 
ity. In  the  pews  of  this  block  fronting  and  next  to  the  pul- 
pit one  foot  of  the  front  part  of  the  pew  is  to  be  made  and 
hung  on  hinges  to  let  down  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a 
table  to  accommodate  in  time  of  communion.  On  each  side 
of  the  pulpit  there  is  to  be  four  pews  of  eight  feet  in  length 
and  as  wide  as  the  space  will  admit,  to  be  of  the  same  kind 
of  materials  and  made  in  the  same  manner  of  the  other 
pews  except  that  they  join  the  wall  at  the  back  end.  On  the 
north  side  of  the  house  there  is  to  be  five  box  pews  between 
the  side  door  and  stairway  to  the  gallery,  each  to  be  five  feet 
and  about  five  inches  long  at  the  side  next  the  wall  and  ex- 
tending five  feet  from  the  wall,  seats  and  back  of  the  box 
pews  of  poplar  as  in  the  other  pews,  the  balance  compris- 
ing the  front  to  be  of  suitable  white  pine,  the  front  of  the 
boxes  to  be  panneled  work  of  the  best  approved  kind.  On 
the  south  side  of  the  house  there  is  to  be  six  box  pews  be- 
tween the  side  door  and  east  end  of  the  house  extending  five 
feet  from  the  wall  to  be  of  the  same  kind  of  materials  and 
the  same  kind  of  work  of  the  other  box  pews,  the  doors  to  be 
set  in  the  center  of  the  front  of  the  box  pews  and  finished  off 

89 


■^•^"7^ 


;  ■'^"^-  .':.  ..^/.^./rT  ^;;;7'^''^^^'" 


- '^'-.  -^1... 


•-/     >. 


/t>»^,..'.  /, 


y^  ->.  --^ 


^^..^.;^/| 


.-.      ^^,  .  '•>"' 


.......  <^^ 


-^  -' 

7  ^'    '  '■-'''"    -y --/ 


'" y ,  >.. 


'U     '-     '^.        •?  ^y«f/'  , 

'-•;> 


Fac-simile  of  the  first  page  of  the  contract  to  erect  the  pews  in  our 
first  Church  Building. 

90 


round  the  doors  of  the  whole  of  the  pews  as  the  trustees 
shall  approve,  the  doors  to  be  hung  on  good  substantial 
hinges  made  for  that  purpose  and  approved  by  the  trustees. 
The  doors  of  the  box  pews  are  also  to  be  panneled  work. 
There  is  to  be  a  loose  bench  made  to  sit  in  front  of  the  center 
block  of  pews  and  one  in  the  center  space.  The  wall  pews  on 
each  side  of  the  pulpit,  Nos,  30  and  37,  are  to  be  raised 
eight  inches  higher  from  the  floor  than  the  other  pews. 
And  the  said  trustees  of  the  said  Presbyterian  Meeting- 
house in  Middletown  do  covenant  and  grant  unto  and  with 
the  said  David  L.  Murry  and  James  A.  Walker  that  they  will 
pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  to  the  said  David  L.  Murry,  his  heirs 
or  assigns  for  finding  the  materials  and  erecting  said  pews 
in  the  manner  hereinbefore  specified  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars 
about  the  10th  day  of  March  next  ensuing  this  date  for  the 
purpose  of  furnishing  the  materials  with,  and  fifty  dollars 
on  the  first  day  of  May  provided  the  work  shall  be  progress- 
ing to  the  satisfaction  of  the  trustees,  and  forty-three  dollars 
on  the  first  day  of  June  if  the  work  shall  be  completed  ac- 
cording to  contract  and  the  balance  which  is  forty-three  dol- 
lars in  two  months  from  the  time  the  work  is  entirely  com- 
pleted and  accepted  by  the  trustees.  The  words  (in  two 
months)  are  interlined  before  signing. 

In  testimony  whereof  the  said  David  L.  Murry  and 
James  Walker,  of  the  first  part,  and  Arthur  Lefferson,  Wil- 
liam Bates  and  George  Yager  trustees  of  said  Presbyterian 
Meetinghouse  in  behalf  of  the  congregation  of  Presbyte- 
rians of  the  other  part,  do  hereby  agree  to  bind  themselves, 
their  heirs  executors  or  administrators,  in  the  penal  sum  of 
{.wo  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  lawful  money,  for  the  true 
and  faithful  performance  of  said  articles  of  agreement, 
whereof  we  have  hereunto  interchangeably  set  our  hands 
and  seals  at  Middletown  the  day  and  year  first  above  written. 

Signed,  sealed  and  acknowledged  in  the  presence  of  us, 

MOSES  W.  KARR, 

JOHN  M.  BARNETT,  clerk  for  the  trustees. 
DAVID  L.  MURRY 
JAMES  A.  WALKER, 
ARTHUR  LEFFERSON     (Seal) 
WILLIAM  BATES 
GEORGE  YAGER 


THERE  has  come  into  the  hands  of  the  Committee  a  small 
book  marked  as  follows:  ''Middletown,  1841.  Receipts 
and  expenditures  of  The  Presbyterian  Church,"  Following 
are  some  of  the  items  of  expense  noted :  Candles,  50  cents ; 
wood,  871/2  cents;  splitting  and  cutting  wood,  621/2  cents; 
oil  pot,  18%  cents ;  two  brooms,  STi/o  cents ;  wicking  for 
lamp,  614  cents ;  "sexton's  salary  from  August  1st.  up  to  the 
20th.  of  December",  $9.00 ;  candles  for  school  house  meeting, 
121/^  cents ;  pair  of  lamp  snuffers,  45  cents ;  ''cash  paid  to 
preacher",  $1.00.  It  would  seem  from  this  record  that  one 
of  the  collections  taken  amounted  to  25  cents  and  another 
to  $2.06i/t. 

THE  Church  has  always  had  its  problems  some  of  which 
are  ''always  new  but  ever  old." 

We  find  the  following  record  in  the  minutes  of  the  Con- 
gregational Meeting  held  April  2,  1883 :  "Some  of  our  peo- 
ple are  too  much  absorbed  in  business  for  their  spiritual 
good  and  growth  in  grace."    Was  it  ever  thus  ? 

In  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  held  on  April  1,  1890,  the 
following  is  recorded :  "Perhaps  the  greatest  clog  at  this 
time  to  Christian  consecration  and  growth  is  what  has  been 
fitly  termed  the  dancing  craze.  And  we  fear  that  some  of 
our  people  have  been  beguiled  by  its  supposed  seductive 
charms  into  a  forgetfulness  or  neglect  of  the  vows  volun- 
tarily assumed  by  them  when  they  covenanted  to  be  the 
Lord's  and  to  labor  for  the  growth  and  upbuilding  of  His 
Kingdom  in  the  world,  but  we  have  reason  to  hope  and  be- 
lieve that  this  form  of  worldliness  has  reached  its  acme  and 
that  the  sober  second  thought  of  those  engaged  in  it  will 
prevail." 

M7's.  Anna  L.  Barnitz,  who  bears  the  distinction  not  only 
of  being  one  of  the  oldest  membef^s  of  our  congregation  at 
this  time,  but  also  of  being  one  of  the  most  regular  in  attend- 
ance at  the  services  of  our  Church,  and  who  for  many  years 
has  been  actively  iyiterested  in  the  ivork  of  the  Church,  at 
the  request  of  the  Committee  prepared  the  following  remi- 
niscences ivhich  ive  are  much  pleased  to  be  able  to  present. 
THE  writer  has  been  a  member  of  The  First  Presbyterian 
Church  since  1853.  She  was  baptized  in  that  year  by 
Rev.  John  B.  Morton,  who  was  then  nearing  the  end  of  his 

92 


long  pastorate  in  this  Church,  The  Church,  which  was  the 
first  Presbyterian  Church  building  to  be  erected  in  Middle- 
town,  at  that  time  was  situated  near  where  the  present  Lu- 
theran Church  stands,  on  South  Broadway,  near  the  junc- 
tion with  Vanderveer  Street.  This  building  was  a  small 
brick  structure  with  but  a  single  story  and  was  erected  in 
1833.  Later,  in  1846,  a  bell  was  purchased  and  a  cupola 
added  to  the  building.  This  bell  was  afterward  moved  to 
the  church  erected  in  1854  at  Main  and  Fourth  Streets  and 
still  later  moved  to  the  Oakland  Church  where  it  is  now  in 
use. 

In  1853  the  church  owned  a  large  tract  of  land  surround- 
ing the  church  edifice  and  extending  from  Broad  Street  to 
Yankee  Road  and  almost  to  Fifth  Street.  All  this  tract  wa.^ 
sold  to  the  Lutheran  Church  Association  and  the  greater 
part  of  it  has  long  since  been  divided  up  into  building  lots 
and  sold.  Had  this  tract  been  held  until  the  present  time 
and  sold,  the  Church  could  have  had  a  large  endowment 
fund  for  some  worthy  cause. 

When  the  writer  was  quite  young  Mr.  Morton  was  mar- 
ried, the  wedding  taking  place  in  the  house  that  is  now  my 
home  but  at  that  time  the  home  of  Dr.  Peter  Vanderveer, 
whose  daughter  Mr.  Morton  married.  The  ceremony  took 
place  in  the  northwest  room  and  was  witnessed  by  a  goodly 
number  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  of  that  day. 

After  the  death  of  Dr.  Vanderveer,  this  house,  now 
known  as  number  505  South  Broad  street,  became  the  Pres- 
byterian manse  and  served  for  this  purpose  until  in  1864 
when  it  came  into  the  hands  of  the  writer's  family.  It  is  one 
of  the  oldest  homes  of  Middletown  and  is  said  to  be  of  pure 
colonial  design  patterned  after  some  of  the  houses  in  the 
town  of  Salem,  Massachusetts,  This  house  has  known 
many  a  gay  and  many  a  sad  scene.  When  I  was  a  small  girl, 
the  son  of  Dr,  Peter  Vanderveer,  Ferdinand,  later  in  the 
civil  war  to  become  the  great  General  Vanderveer  who  led 
the  35th.  Ohio  Infantry  all  through  the  rebellion,  came  home 
from  his  campaign  in  Mexico.  How  well  I  remember  that 
day.  At  that  time  there  was  not  a  house  between  our  home 
and  the  canal.  Each  afternoon  the  passenger  packet  from 
Cincinnati  arrived  about  four  o'clock.     As  the  packet  ap- 

93 


preached  the  town  the  buglers  on  board  would  sound  a  fan- 
fare and  the  whole  town  would  turn  out  to  the  docks  to  see 
the  boat  come  in  and  meet  the  passengers.  This  day  the 
bugles  played  very  sadly.  Ferd  Vanderveer  was  on  board 
and  with  him  a  comrade  dead.  The  cortege  formed  at  the 
wharves  and  slowly  wound  its  way  to  this  hill.  The  young 
man  was  buried  out  near  West  Elkton. 

The  next  time  Ferdinand  Vanderveer  came  home  he  was 
a  General  promoted  on  the  field  for  gallantry  in  action. 

During  the  Reverend  Mr.  Morton's  pastorate  the  minis- 
ter's salary  was  very  meagre.  Four  hundred  dollars  was  all 
that  he  was  paid.  Of  course  four  hundred  dollars  in  1850 
was  a  great  deal  more  money  than  it  is  in  1919,  but  still  had 
it  not  been  for  the  donation  parties  given  in  the  parsonage 
to  which  the  members  of  the  church  brought  an  abundance 
of  supplies  such  as  wagon  loads  of  wood,  apples  and  potatoes 
sufficient  to  last  the  whole  winter,  and  groceries  to  stock  the 
pantry,  the  pastor  would  have  found  it  difficult  with  his  sal- 
ary to  make  both  ends  meet. 

Our  new  church,  erected  in  1854,  was  then  the  finest  in 
the  city.  It  was  a  two  story  building  and  could  accommo- 
date in  its  audience  room  about  five  hundred  people.  In 
1866  a  pipe  organ  was  purchased  and  set  up.  At  that  time 
the  choir  gave  two  concerts  and  Professor  Gale,  of  Christ 
Church,  Cincinnati,  played  the  organ.  An  admittance  fee 
of  twenty-five  cents  was  charged  and  the  auditorium  was 
crowded  for  both  programs. 

For  several  years  after  the  church  was  erected  on  the 
Main  Street  site,  the  house  now  used  by  Dr.  T.  E.  Reed  as  an 
ofl?ice  was  the  Presbyterian  manse.  Our  church  once  owned 
this  property  but  sold  it. 

In  connection  with  the  pastorate  of  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Russell,  I  have  a  vivid  recollection  of  his  marriage  to  Miss 
Wilson.  Mr.  Russell  invited  Dr.  Barnitz  and  myself  to  go  to 
Cincinnati  to  witness  the  ceremony.  The  General  Assem- 
bly of  the  Presbyterian  church  was  sitting  in  the  First 
Church  of  Cincinnati,  and  at  the  close  of  one  session,  at  five 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  there  was  a  double  wedding  cere- 
mony. The  Reverend  Joshua  L.  Russell  and  Miss  Wilson, 
and  Moses  Wilson,  brother  of  the  bride,  and  a  Miss  Thorpe 

94 


were  married.  The  great  edifice  was  packed  with  witnesses 
and  the  ceremony  itself  was  most  impressive.  As  the  newly 
wedded  couples  passed  clown  the  aisle,  some  one  loosed  a 
dove  which  hovered  over  the  bridal  party  as  a  delightful 
symbol  until  it  reached  the  vestry  door.  Mrs.  Russell  still  is 
living  at  Lansdowne,  Pa,,  at  the  home  of  her  daughter,  Mrs. 
Edward  Symonds,  and  Judge  Moses  Wilson  is  a  prominent 
barrister  and  now  resides  in  Mt.  Auburn,  Cincinnati. 

During  the  writer's  membership  in  the  First  Presbyte- 
rian Church  thirteen  ministers  have  presided  over  the  pas- 
torate of  the  First  Church.  The  Reverend  Mr.  Morton,  who 
was  the  pastor  when  I  united  with  the  Church,  is  buried  in 
Middletown.  With  his  first  and  second  wives,  he  lies  buried 
in  Middletown  cemetery.  The  other  ministers  all  left  Mid- 
dletown for  other  fields  before  their  death. 

For  eighteen  years  it  was  the  writer's  precious  privilege 
to  teach  the  primary  class  in  the  Sunday  School.  At  that 
time  it  was  the  custom  to  hold  an  annual  picnic  on  our  lawn. 
The  children  and  all  the  mothers  were  invited. 

Another  part  of  the  Church  work  in  which  the  writer 
has  taken  a  special  interest  and  which  she  has  enjoyed  so 
much  is  the  work  of  the  Woman's  Society.  It  would  not  be 
possible  to  give  the  names  of  the  many  fine  co-workers  in 
this  Society.  Good  officers  have  always  been  in  charge  and 
the  Society  has  always  kept  a  bank  account.  Reports  of  the 
work  have  been  read  at  annual  congregational  meetings  and 
the  balance  sheet  has  always  showed  the  balance  on  the 
proper  side. 

That  our  church  may  continue  to  grow  in  power  and  in- 
fluence and  good  deeds  and  more  and  more  be  blessed  of  God 
is  the  prayer  of  the  writer. 


95 


Fac-simile  of  the  First  Page  of  the  First  Minute  Book  of  the  Ses- 
sion of  our  Church.    This  book  is  today  in  a  well  preserved  condition. 


96 


Mr.  Charles  E,  Margerum,  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Deacons  since  1887,  who  has  kept  in  close  touch  with  all  the 
Church  activities  since  that  time,  at  the  request  of  the  Com- 
mittee prepared  the  folloiving  account  of  the  building  of  our 
present  Church  home. 

IN  a  review  of  the  history  of  the  Church  for  the  last  three 
decades  the  one  outstanding  event  that  has  left  its  im- 
pression on  my  memory  is  that  of  the  erection  of  our  present 
church  'building,  not  only  because  of  the  fact  that  this  was 
done  but  also  because  of  the  conditions  existing  at  that  time, 
the  persons  who  were  identified  with  the  undertaking  and 
the  spirit  actuating  them,  and  the  generous  support  that 
carried  the  work  to  completion. 

The  majority  of  the  older  members  then  active  in  church 
work  have  since  passed  to  their  reward,  but  many  who  took 
a  part  in  the  work  are  still  with  us  and  can  remember  with 
what  indomitable  courage  every  obstacle  was  overcome  by 
the  noble  men  and  women  who  gave  to  it  their  generous  co- 
operation and  support.  We  are  prone  to  look  upon  this 
building  with  its  appointments  and  furnishings  as  common- 
place or  as  a  matter  of  sequence  or  sometimes  with  criticism, 
forgetful  of  the  sacrifices  made  and  without  knowledge  to 
whom  we  are  indebted  for  that  which  we  now  enjoy  in  this 
beautiful  temple. 

To  have  a  proper  conception  of  the  magnitude  of  the  ac- 
complishment we  should  not  judge  by  present  day  standards 
of  "frenzied  finance"  for  it  was  carried  out  under  very  dif- 
ferent conditions. 

Let  us,  then,  as  we  erect  the  tablet  in  the  Church  to  the 
memory  of  the  Pastors  during  the  century,  also  cherish  the 
memory  of  those  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  the  building 
which  enshrines  it. 

For  a  long  time  prior  to  1891  there  was  manifest  a  grow- 
ing desire  and  fond  hope  to  have  a  larger  building  better 
suited  to  accommodate  the  increasing  activities  of  the 
church  and  Sabbath  School.  At  the  regular  congregational 
meeting  of  the  Church,  Saturday  afternoon,  April  4th.  of 
that  year,  a  committee  of  fifteen  was  appointed  from  the 
congregation  to  be  called  the  Presbyterian  Church  Building 

97 


Committee  whose  duty  it  was  to  select  a  site  for  the  new 
Church,  to  increase  the  subscription  list  that  had  already 
been  started,  to  select  plans  and  specifications,  and  to  secure 
a  proper  building  for  church  services  during  the  erection  of 
the  new  church  edifice.  The  committee  of  fifteen  as  ap- 
pointed was : 

Theo.  Marston,  Wm.  Caldwell,  P.  P.  LaTourrette,  J.  B. 
Hartley,  C.  S.  Barnitz,  J.  K.  Thomas,  C.  B.  Johnson,  C.  B. 
Oglesby,  Murray  Schenck,  H.  P.  Leibee,  E.  L.  McCallay,  Dr. 
Samuel  McClellan,  Geo.  Jacoby,  J.  M.  Iseminger,  Chas.  E. 
Margerum. 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  April  4,  1891,  the  com- 
mittee of  fifteen  met  and  organized  by  the  election  of  P.  P. 
LaTourrette  Permanent  President  and  E.  L.  McCallay  Per- 
manent Secretary,  and  adopted  as  a  rule  of  order  that  eight 
members  should  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of 
business.  A  Finance  Committee  was  elected  consisting  of 
C.  B.  Oglesby,  Wm.  Caldwell,  Theo.  Marston  and  J.  B.  Hart- 
ley. C.  B.  Johnson  was  chosen  Treasurer  and  a  Sub-Com- 
mittee of  three  consisting  of  C.  B.  Johnson,  Joseph  Isemin- 
ger and  Chas.  E.  Margerum  was  selected  whose  duty  it  was 
to  invite  plans  and  submit  same  to  the  general  committee, 
and  to  have  full  charge  of  superintending  the  construction 
of  the  proposed  new  building.  This  committee  of  fifteen 
also  selected  the  first  and  third  Friday  evenings  of  each 
month  at  7 :30  for  regular  meetings  and  resolved  to  build 
the  new  Church  of  stone.  Thus  was  launched  the  greatest 
movement  of  that  character  that  the  Church  has  ever  under- 
taken and  one  which  was  to  call  for  the  earnest  and  united 
effort  of  the  whole  membership  and  a  work  that  was  to  try 
to  the  fullest  extent  the  financial  ability  of  the  Church. 

Differing  views  upon  the  question  of  location  immedi- 
ately prompted  resolutions  to  build  on  the  old  site  followed 
by  resolutions  to  secure  a  new  site  and  options  were  secured 
on  other  locations  but  it  remained  an  open  question  until  at 
a  meeting  on  November  24,  1891,  at  which  time  Wm.  Cald- 
well and  C.  B.  Oglesby  were  appointed  a  committee  to  select 
plans  and  specifications  and  it  was  decided  to  build  on  the 
old  site.  May  25,  1892,  bids  were  presented  for  the  building 
as  follows :  Wm.  Caldwell,  $30,675.00 ;  Chas.  E.  Margerum, 

98 


$33,727.00 ;  Jacoby  &  Denny,  $34,859.00.  The  bid  of  Wm. 
Caldwell  being  the  lowest  was  accepted  and  a  contract  was 
closed  with  him  to  build  the  church. 

An  estimate  including  the  items  not  in  Mr.  Caldwell's 
contract  was  submitted  consisting  of  heating,  plumbing, 
stone  carving,  frescoing,  art  glass,  pulpit  furniture,  pews, 
carpets,  architect's  services  and  other  items  amounting  in 
all  to  $9,325.00,  making  the  estimated  total  cost  of  the  build- 
ing $40,000.00. 

A  committee  of  two  was  appointed  to  tear  down  and  take 
care  of  all  material  of  the  old  church  except  that  part  that 
would  be  needed  for  building  a  new  church  in  Oakland.  At 
this  meeting  the  resignation  of  C.  B.  Johnson  was  accepted 
and  on  motion  Theo.  Marston  was  unanimously  elected 
Treasurer  of  the  Building  Committee. 

The  removal  of  the  old  and  building  of  the  new  church 
progressed.  Providing  funds  to  satisfy  the  claims  of  the 
contractor  now  engaged  our  attention. 

At  a  called  meeting  January  17,  1895,  the  new  Church 
building  was  received  from  the  contractor  as  complete  ac- 
cording to  agreement,  and  a  vote  of  thanks  was  extended  for 
faithful  performance  of  the  contract.  The  cost  of  the  build- 
ing had  exceeded  the  amount  first  estimated  and  the  total 
cost  was  reported  by  the  committee  to  be  $45,000.00,  leaving 
a  balance  of  about  $18,000.00  unprovided  for. 

Various  plans  were  suggested  to  meet  this  deficit  but  all 
to  no  purpose  until  a  call  was  issued  "To  the  Individual  Mem- 
bers" for  a  meeting  February  13,  1895,  from  which  I  take 
the  following : 

"We  have  been  worshiping  for  eighteen  months  past  in 
the  Lecture  or  Sabbath  School  Department.  The  main  audi- 
ence room  is  now  completed,  but  our  new  church  can  not  be 
dedicated  and  occupied  with  the  existing  debt  unprovided 
for.  .  .  .  Something  must  be  done  by  which  our  cred- 
itors can  obtain  their  dues.  .  .  .  Your  committee  has 
thought  best  to  make  one  final  and  united  effort  to  pay  the 
debt  and  be  done  with  it  at  once  and  forever.  We  know  our 
indebtedness  is  considerably  larger  than  we  anticipated  it 
would  be  when  our  church  was  finished.  We  could  not  fore- 
see the  depression  of  the  times  that  has  occurred  since  we 

100 


commenced  to  build.  Yet  we  believe  there  is  enough  wealth, 
combined  with  enough  love  for  God  and  His  church,  existing 
among  the  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Middle- 
town,  with  some  additional  aid  we  hope  to  obtain  from 
others  than  members,  to  lift  the  debt  which  now  hangs  over 
us  like  a  pall.  But  it  will  take  a  united  effort.  The  gift  of 
the  wealthy,  the  middle  class,  the  poor  and  even  down  to  the 
widow's  mite,  will  all  be  required  to  lift  the  $18,000.00  debt. 
.  .  .  Come  out  to  the  meeting.  .  .  .  It  is  for  the  mem- 
bers and  congregation  that  will  be  there  assembled  to  say 
whether  the  debt  now  resting  upon  the  church  shall  be  paid, 
the  church  dedicated  and  we  continue  to  worship  in  our  new 
and  beautiful  audience  room.  The  subscriptions  to  clear  the 
church  building  from  debt,  as  shall  be  made  upon  that  even- 
ing, will  be  conditioned  that  the  whole  amount  of  indebted- 
ness is  raised,  then  the  whole  of  the  subscription  must  be 
paid." 

This  meeting  was  under  the  management  of  Dr.  W.  O. 
Thompson,  Oxford,  Ohio,  but  failed  to  raise  the  amount  de- 
sired. Another  meeting  was  called  for  February  27th,  at 
which  greater  success  was  obtained  as  the  debt  was  reduced 
to  $5,000.00  which  was  afterward  provided  for. 

An  attempt  to  recall  the  activities  of  the  church  in  those 
bygone  days  would  go  far  amiss  if  it  did  not  include  the 
prominent  mention  of  the  fine  spirit  of  cheerful  and  effi- 
cient participation  by  the  women,  a  characteristic  then  as 
now  that  we  delight  to  honor  and  respect,  but  while  this  is 
a  dependable  quality  at  all  times  I  now  am  recalling  fond 
recollections  of  the  building  of  the  church  only  and  not  of 
anything  added  since  of  which  there  are  many  evidences 
that  the  women  of  our  church  today  worthily  maintain  the 
same  spirit  as  then  exemplified. 

The  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  or  what  is  now  known  as  the 
Woman's  Society,  was  composed  of  every  woman  in  the 
church,  and  while  giving  more  than  $500.00  in  cash  to  the 
Building  Committee,  it  also  gave  $700.00  for  furniture,  car- 
peted the  entire  building,  except  the  Ladies'  parlor,  at  an  ex- 
pense of  $1,200.00,  and  furnished  all  the  hangings  in  the 
church.  The  Sabbath  School  classes  of  Mrs.  A.  T.  Wilson, 
Miss  Lou  Hartley,  Mrs.  Irene  Dickey,  Miss  Jennie  Blair,  and 

101 


0  So 

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S  O  3 

_  U5    so 

pj  rp  3 
n  '    •    is" 

•  r"  3  £L 

Wn-2  H 

-    -<;     t» 

^™     ® 

SB        i-fi 
*     CC       3" 

»l  9 

w       c 

6S  -  i-« 


o 
1-0  ai 


rt        "ni 


o  o 


S.: 


others  gave  through  this  society.  The  Sabbath  School  classes 
were  all  organized  in  a  system  to  raise  money  and  to  work 
for  the  building  of  the  new  church  and  succeeded  in  raising 
a  considerable  amount.  The  King's  Daughters  Society, 
which  was  then  affiliated  with  the  Church,  gave  the  bap- 
tismal font. 

The  assistance  of  the  women  of  the  Church  was  invalu- 
able in  the  selection  of  the  pews  and  decorations  and  in 
many  other  details. 

On  Monday  everiing  of  Centennial  Week,  Rev.  J.  King 
Gibson,  D.  D.,  brought  to  our  Church  greetings  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Dayton.  Dr.  Gibson  has  been  a  member  of 
this  Presbytery  for  forty  years  and  its  Stated  Clerk  for 
twenty-one  years.  He  has  preached  in  our  Church  on  many 
occasio7is  and  so  his  greetings  came  from  frieyid  to  frierid 
as  well  as  from  Presbytery  to  Church.  Dr.  Gibson  spoke  as 
follows. 

THE  history  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  is  one  of  deep 
interest.  Including  its  various  branches  it  is  the  larg- 
est Protestant  body  in  the  world  as  the  alliance  of  the  Re- 
formed Churches  holding  the  Presbyterian  system  includes 
twenty-five  million  members. 

This  would  be  nothing  to  our  credit  if  something  more 
could  not  be  said.  But  more  can  be  said  in  all  fairness.  Our 
Church  has  borne  a  distinguished  part  in  the  history  of  the 
Christian  religion.  It  has  told  for  the  betterment  of  man- 
kind. In  works  of  philanthropy,  in  popular  education,  in 
the  ends  of  Civil  Government,  as  well  as  in  things  distinctly 
religious,  it  has  had  a  conspicuous  part.  So  competent  an 
authority  as  George  Bancroft  has  traced  our  greatness  as  a 
nation,  in  no  small  part  to  the  principles  of  the  English  Pur- 
itans, the  Scotch  Covenanters,  the  French  Huguenots,  the 
Dutch  Calvinists  and  the  Presbyterians  of  Ulster. 

Francis  Mackemie  builded  better  than  he  knew  when  he 
planted  the  Presbyterian  Church  on  the  eastern  shore  of 
Maryland.  No  more  truly  Catholic  body  is  found  on  the 
face  of  the  earth.  It  has  no  doctrinal  test  for  those  who 
would  enjoy  its  privileges  other  than  a  credible  faith  in  the 
common  Savior  of  the  world.     It  receives  without  re-ex- 

103 


amination  or  rebaptism,  those  who  are  members  in  good 
standing  in  other  Christian  churches  and  its  catechisms  con- 
taining its  doctrinal  basis  are  so  broad  and  generous  that  in 
some  instances  other  communions  have  used  them  for  the 
instruction  of  their  children.  We  would  not  boast,  but  the 
rather,  on  bended  knee,  confess  our  shortcomings.  But, 
after  all,  is  there  not  good  reason  to  thank  God  that  such  a 
history  is  our  heritage? 

But  the  efficient  fellowship  of  our  form  of  government  is 
the  basis  of  my  errand  tonight.  We  are  a  representative 
body  in  character,  from  the  Session,  through  the  Presbytery 
and  Synod,  to  the  General  Assembly.  The  Presbytery  cov- 
ering this  region  organized  this  particular  church  one  hun- 
dred years  ago,  and  from  then  until  now  has  watched  over  it 
with  religious  care.  We  have  heard  with  unfeigned  interest 
of  this  anniversary  week  and  our  Presbytery  has  gladly 
sent  a  representative  to  convey  its  greetings  of  affection. 
Your  joy  is  our  joy.  It  is  not  in  place  that  I  should  speak  at 
length.  I  am  but  a  messenger,  I  bring  you  greetings  from 
the  venerable  Presbytery  of  Dayton  covering  hereabout 
seven  counties,  embracing  fifty-four  ministers,  forty-four 
churches,  and  twelve  thousand  communicants.  We  are  glad 
to  number  in  this  body  the  First  Church  of  Middletown  with 
its  fine  history  and  bright  hopes.  We  are  not  ignorant  of 
your  labors  of  faith  and  patience  and  love,  and,  as  Paul  for 
the  Philippians,  we  "thank  God  at  every  remembrance  of 
you."  And  with  our  congratulations  we  bring  the  prayer 
that  the  fellowships  and  accomplishments  of  the  past  may  be 
surpassed  in  the  days  to  come;  that  your  devotion  to  mis- 
sions at  home  and  abroad  may  increase ;  that  your  place  in 
the  hearts  of  the  people  among  whom  you  are  planted  may 
be  deepened  and  strengthened ;  and  that  your  force  for 
righteousness  may  gather  a  sacred  momentum  as  the  years 
go  by.    And  so  we  bid  you  "God-speed." 

That  it  may  he  preserved  for  future  refererice  and  com- 
parisons more  than  for  any  other  reason,  the  budget  of  our 
Church  for  the  year  ending  March  31,  1920,  is  here  given. 
This  budget  includes  only  items  of  expenses  and  benevolences 
that  are  paid  directly  through  the  Church  treasury,  and  does 

104 


7iot  include  the  budgets  of  The  Woman's  Society,  The  Mis- 
sionai-y  Society,  The  Westminster-  Men's  Club,  The  Sunday 
School  and  The  Christian  Endeavor  Society. 

CURRENT  EXPENSES. 

Pastor's   Salary    $3,000.00 

Pulpit  Supply   100.00 

Financial  Secretary 150.00 

Janitor  &  Extra  Labor 1,000.00 

Music    1,000.00 

Relief  Fund    100.00 

General  Assembly    75.00 

Telephone  &  Light 300.00 

Fuel  and  Water 350.00 

General  Improvements  &  Repairs.  500.00 

Printing  &  Supplies 250.00 

Contributors  Envelopes    60.00 

Taxes  &  Insurance 750.00 

Loan  &  Interest   2,000.00 

New  Era  Magazine   135.00 

Session  Fund    200.00 

Miscellaneous    100.00 

Total  Current  Expenses   $10,070.00 

BENEVOLENCES. 

Home  Missions   $  721.00 

Foreign  Missions   721.00 

General  Education 200.00 

Publication  &  S.  S.  Work 100.00 

Relief  &  Sustentation   101.00 

Church  Erection 100.00 

Freedmen    100.00 

Temperance     100.00 

Evangelism    10.00 

Men's  Work    10.00 

Total  Benevolences    $  2,163.00 

Grand  Total $12,233.00 

105 


It  seemed  appropriate  to  the  Committee  that  "Middle- 
town's  War  Record"  he  included  herein.  The  Churches  of 
Middletown  very  actively  supported  all  the  various  cam- 
paigns  and  aided  very  much  in  making  them  so  successful. 
The  Middletow7i  Chamber  of  Commerce  furnished  the  fol- 
loiving  information. 

Movement                                        Quota.  Result. 

1st  Liberty  Loan $350,000.00  $1,067,800.00 

2nd  Liberty  Loan    454,000.00  1,182,250.00 

3d  Liberty  Loan 418,500.00  981,300.00 

4th  Liberty  Loan 955,950.00  1,424,150.00 

5th  Victory  Loan    833,450.00  1,112,850.00 

1st  Red  Cross  War  Fund 20,000.00  113,630.70 

2nd  Red  Cross  War  Fund 40,000.00  129,638.00 

*lst  Red  Cross  Membership 3,200  11,484 

2nd  Red  Cross  Membership,  ex- 
clusive of  3,509  Juniors 7,286 

Salvation  Army  1918 $     2,000.00  $        2,000.00 

Soldiers'  Library  1918   1,000.00  1,320.00 

War  Savings  Stamps  1918 450,000.00  536,520.00 

Y.  M.  C.  A.  Red  Triangle  War 

Fund    25,000.00  33,989.44 

U.   W.   W.  Fund,  including  Ar- 
menian and  Syrian  Relief.  .  .  .     48,000.00  83,684.60 
*Honor  Chapter  of  the  Lake  Division    (Ohio,  Indiana, 
Kentucky) . 

95.6 7(  of  all  housewives  signed  Food  Conservancy 
Pledge. 

1236  Boys  in  Service. 


106 


PASTORS  AND  SUPPLIES  OF  THE  FIRST  PRESBY- 
TERIAN CHURCH,  MIDDLETOWN,  OHIO. 

1819—1919. 

Francis  Monfort,  1819-24. 
Samuel  B.  Smith,  1828-32. 
John  Hudson,  1832-33. 
Alexander  Guy,  1833-35. 
John  S.  Belleville,  1837-39. 
Moses  Russell,  1839-40. 
John  B.  Morton,  1840-47. 
Simon  M.  Templeton,  1847-53. 
John  B.  Morton,  1853-65. 
Gideon  I.  Taylor,  1865-67. 
Joshua  L.  Russell,  1867-72. 
Joseph  W.  Clokey,  1873-78. 
Thomas  W.  Hench,  1878-83. 
Henry  B.  Elliott,  1883-84. 
Scott  F.  Hershey,  1884-87. 
James  M.  Simonton,  1888-90. 
George  M.  McCampbell,  1890-95. 
Thomas  S.  Scott,  1896-1900. 
W.  Hamill  Shields,  1900-1910. 
David  Garrett  Smith,  1910-18. 
Bernard  J.  Brinkema,  1918- 


107 


RESPONSES  FROM  PASTORS. 

Ou7'  present  pastor  and  our  former  pastors  who  are  lin- 
ing were  asked  to  send  a  few  words  of  greeting  or  some  rem.- 
iniscences  for  our  story.  The  respoyise  was  most  cordial  and 
v:e  are  glad  to  present  these  messages. 

From  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Hench,  Carthage,  Missouri. 

The  kind  invitation  to  your  approaching  Church  Centen- 
nial Anniversary  is  very  much  appreciated.  I  fear  it  will  be 
impossible  for  me  to  be  present  personally,  but  I  rejoice  with 
you  in  the  joy  of  the  occasion. 

I  fear  it  would  be  more  an  occasion  of  sadness  to  me  in 
missing  the  old  friends  of  my  day  so  long  ago  and  with  all 
things  so  changed  from  the  days  of  yore. 

My  pastorate  of  some  five  years  was  not  especially  event- 
ful in  any  way  except  for  its  perfect  harmony  and  general 
good  feeling.  This  was  all  the  more  remarkable  because  in 
the  days  of  the  previous  pastorate  there  had  been  some  divi- 
sion and  bitterness  of  feeling  caused  by  the  rising  Temper- 
ance agitation  and  crusade  which  was  spreading  over  the 
land,  beginning  in  Ohio,  the  storm  center,  and  starting  a 
campaign  which  in  the  forty-one  years  progress  was  des- 
tined to  ultimate,  as  we  see  today,  in  the  final  temperance 
victory  and  the  triumph  of  National  Prohibition  and  in  the 
National  Constitutional  Amendment  making  it  the  perma- 
nent policy  of  this  great  country  and  government. 

But  the  people  of  the  Church  in  the  beginning  of  my  pas- 
torate, good  naturedly,  kindly,  and  in  the  true  spirit  of 
Christian  unity  and  fellowship,  suddenly  concluded  to  drop 
all  differences,  and  from  that  time  on  I  never  knew  a  more 
harmonious  congregation. 

Universal  good  feeling  prevailed  and  I  had  a  very  quiet, 
peaceable  and  altogether  delightful  pastorate  and  I  revert 
to  it  with  a  great  deal  of  pleasure. 

From  Middletown  I  went  to  Connersville,  Ind.,  where  I 
remained  for  twelve  years  and  did,  I  might  say,  the  best  and 
greatest  work  of  my  life  and  the  most  successful. 

I  wish  all  of  you  a  most  pleasant  and  helpful  time  at  your 
celebration. 

108 


From  Rev.  Scott  F.  Hershey,  Angola,  Indiana. 

I  recall  with  all  the  force  of  a  pleasant  memory  of  the 
far  away  days  my  short  ministry  in  the  Middletown  Church. 

There  were  some  wonderfully  fine  people  in  those  days  as 
now.  Some  of  them,  as  always,  were  trying  to  serve  the 
Lord  by  guarding  the  Church  confessions  rather  more  than 
serving  the  world  in  the  spirit  of  the  Christ.  Some  of  thera 
were  among  the  very  choice  ones  I  have  ever  known.  Some 
with  whom  I  had  years  of  happy  fellowship  were  not  even 
members  of  the  Church.  Possibly  they  were  more  Christian 
than  they  thought. 

I  remember  with  most  comfort  the  large  number  of 
young  people  who  connected  with  the  Church  shortly  after  I 
began  my  temporary  ministry.  In  the  days  since  I  have  met. 
here  and  there,  in  different  parts  of  the  land,  quite  a  few  of 
them.  The  most  worth  while  comment  I  can  make  on  this  is 
that  those  most  Christian  were  the  most  happily  situated  in 
life. 

As  I  think  back  over  the  people  I  have  known  in  Middle- 
town,  Washington,  Boston,  Wooster,  New  Castle,  the  most 
lingering  thought  I  have  is,  that  the  life  that  serves  best  and 
loves  most  is  the  life  of  largest  vision,  richest  comfort  and 
brightest  hope.  So,  "Let  me  live  in  my  home  by  the  side  of 
the  road.  Where  the  race  of  men  go  by.  And  be  a  friend  to 
man." 

From  Rev.  W.  Hamill  Shields,  Mt.  Vernon,  Ohio. 

In  the  long  fight  for  righteousness  the  Church  leads  the 
way  and  it  is  a  joy  to  a  Pastor  to  note  that  passing  years  do 
iiot  lessen  the  zeal  of  his  co-workers  of  other  days. 

In  a  ministry  of  nearly  ten  years — September.  1900,  to 
April,  1910 — I  was  permitted  to  see  The  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  Middletown,  Ohio,  grow  in  power  and  influence, 
getting  ready  for  the  increasing  demands  of  an  expanding 
community  life.  The  years  saw  a  steady  substantial  growth 
in  numbers  and  influence. 

As  a  young  Pastor,  surrounded  by  a  most  loyal  Session 
of  devoted  men  of  age  and  experience,  I  was  encouraged  in 
every  way.  For  a  number  of  years  a  heavy  debt,  heavy  for 
those  days,  rested  upon  the  Church  after  the  completion  of 

109 


the  present  building.  With  the  loyal  support  of  the  Sessioji 
and  Board  of  Deacons  a  Ten  Thousand  Dollar  debt  was 
raised  with  the  effort  of  but  a  few  days  and  the  handsome 
edifice  was  dedicated  with  reverence  and  thanksgiving  after 
an  inspiring  dedicatory  sermon  by  Rev.  W.  O.  Thompson, 
D.  D.,  President  of  Miami  University,  now  President  of  the 
Ohio  State  University. 

Another  outstanding  event  in  this  ministry  was  the  or- 
ganization of  a  Presbyterian  Brotherhood  and,  a  little  later, 
a  Junior  Brotherhood.  These  organizations  have  played  a 
notable  part  in  the  development  and  spiritual  life  of  the 
Church. 

During  these  years  the  missionary  zeal  of  the  Church 
was  developed  by  a  most  loyal  band  of  women  working 
through  the  Missionary  Society.  The  women  were  helped 
and  encouraged  by  the  new  interest  manifested  by  the  men 
and  a  delightful  atmosphere  of  spiritual  earnestness  was 
created.  The  passing  of  the  years  has  sanctified  and  deep- 
ened the  bonds  of  former  years. 

Middletown,  with  its  growing  power  and  population, 
will  appeal  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  to  carry  on  the  work 
with  ever  increasing  usefulness.  As  Pastor  and  Friend  of 
former  years,  I  bid  you  *'Go  Forward,  Always  Forward, 
helped  and  inspired  by  holy  memories  and  friendships  from 
the  past  and  beckoned  by  the  glory-light  of  a  golden  future." 

From  Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith,  Middletown,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Smith  closed  his  ministry  in  Middletown  so  recently 
that  he  can  not  indulge  in  reminiscences.  He  mentions  as  a 
few  of  the  most  interesting  features  of  his  work  here  the 
great  Lyon  evangelistic  meetings  which  included  most  of 
the  Protestant  churches  of  the  city  and  resulted  in  a  consid- 
erable revival  of  religious  interest,  as  well  as  large  acces- 
sions to  the  churches;  the  transfer  of  the  Presbyterian 
Brotherhood  to  the  city — placing  it  on  an  interdenomina- 
tional basis,  so  that  all  the  churches  could  contribute  propor- 
tionate support,  and  have  equal  privileges — the  name  being 
changed  to  the  Middletown  Brotherhood;  the  destructive 
flood  of  1913,  demoralizing  all  the  interests  of  the  city,  and 
causing  a  financial  loss  to  the  First  Church  of  about  $5,000. 

110 


One  of  the  compensations  of  the  flood  was  the  new  civic  pride 
awakened  in  the  work  of  restoration  and  reconstruction.  It 
was  also  the  occasion  of  the  conversion  of  the  Presbyterian 
manse  into  a  parish  house,  and  the  purchase  of  the  beau- 
tiful new  manse  on  Yankee  Road  at  a  cost  of  $13,000.  About 
this  time  the  Oakland  Church  which  had  been  out  of  use  for 
several  years  was  put  in  repair  at  considerable  expense,  re- 
opened for  services,  and  a  pastor  was  called  to  take  charge 
of  the  work.  The  entire  property  was  soon  turned  over  to 
the  congregation  free  of  debt. 

Mr.  Smith's  greatest  satisfaction  in  review  of  his  work 
in  Middletown  is  the  steady  growth  that  the  church  main- 
tained and  the  broadening  scope  of  its  work,  so  that  under 
most  favorable  auspices  it  now  enters  upon  a  new  and  most 
promising  era  of  Christian  service. 

Added  to  this  are  the  ever  enriching  memories  of  faith- 
ful co-laborers  and  loyal  friends,  not  a  few,  who  are  the 
most  prized  fruitage  of  his  ministry. 

From  Rev.  Bernard  J.  Brinkema,  present  pastor. 
To  All  the  Members  of  My  Household  of  Faith. 

Less  than  one  year  ago  I  came  to  be  the  Minister  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Middletown, 
Ohio,  and  to  be  your  pastor.  The  days  of  my  pastorate  have 
been  few,  but  they  have  been  days  of  ever  expanding  joy. 
The  vision  of  the  possibilities  has  brightened  the  horizon  of 
what  is,  without  a  doubt,  our  share  in  ushering  in  the  great- 
est age  in  the  Kingdom  of  God.  The  path  that  lies  before  us 
may  be  unmarked,  as  was  the  path  of  our  pioneer  fathers, 
but  we  have  the  same  promises  and  a  greater  experience. 
The  stars  that  guided  them  are  with  us  still,  and  are  only 
paling  before  the  dawning  light.  Soon  midnight  shall  be  as 
the  noon-day  sun.  We  stand  on  an  unbeaten  path,  yet  One 
has  gone  before,  and,  though  the  path  is  marked  with  His 
blood.  His  foot-prints  are  traveling  toward  the  dawning. 
He  is  our  greater  experience,  tested  and  tried  anew  in  the 
heart  ache  of  the  Twentieth  Century's  travail.  We  are  com- 
rades of  all  who  have  gone  before ;  we  lean  on  our  fathers, 
mothers,  saints  and  ministers  who  once  stood  in  our  place ; 
we  appreciate  what  they  have  done;  we  shall  register  our 

111 


appreciation,  not  in  words,  but  in  deeds  of  devotion  to  the 
institution  that  they  held  dear. 

The  Story  of  A  Hundred  Years  has  been  told.  We  cannot 
alter  it  and  would  not  if  we  could.  The  story  of  the  second 
hundred  years  is  unwritten  and  it  is  our  blessed  privilege  to 
make  the  future.  The  Church  of  God  marches  on.  The  First 
Presbyterian  Church  of  Middletown  shall  move  with  it. 
"Every  place  that  the  sole  of  your  foot  shall  tread  upon,  to 
you  have  I  given  it."  Our  Lord  and  Master  is  possessing  the 
land.    We  will  step  forward  with  Him. 

Sincerely,  your  pastor, 

BERNARD  J.  BRINKEMA. 

Rev.  Joseph  W.  Clokey  sent  the  History  Committee  sow.e 
facts  relating  to  his  ministry  in  our  Church  and  stated  that 
he  had  many  pleasant  remembrances  of  his  pastorate  here 
which  he  ivould  be  very  glad  to  give  us.  This  was  prevented 
by  his  death  which  occurred  a  few  days  later,  early  Sunday 
7'ii07'ning,  August  17,  1919,  at  his  home  in  Oxford,  Ohio. 
Many  of  our  members  luere  looking  forward  with  pleasure 
to  see  a7id  hear  Mr.  Clokey  during  our  Centennial.  We  do 
not  want  to  miss  having  a  m-essage  from  him  arid  so  ive  are 
submitting  here  a  letter  written  to  the  Church  by  Mr.  Clokey 
at  the  close  of  his  ministry,  July  3,  1878. 

For  the  members  of  my  congregation  and  for  their  his- 
torical archives,  I  have  prepared  the  following  sketch  of  my 
ministerial  labors  in  the  church  of  Middletown.  It  is  sub- 
mitted humbly  and  with  the  hope  that  future  readers  may 
deem  my  labors  not  altogether  vain. 

As  I  look  back  over  the  years  intervening  between  my 
installation  and  my  release,  my  mind  recalls  a  multitude 
of  scenes  and  incidents  that  have  awakened  and  always  will 
awaken  in  my  heart  thankfulness  to  the  kind  Father  who 
directed  my  footsteps  to  Middletown  as  my  home.  As  I  look 
back  my  mind  also  recalls  a  multitude  of  scenes  and  inci- 
dents of  a  different  character,  which  for  more  than  four 
years  have  kept  my  heart  under  a  burden  of  anxiety  and 
have  often  caused  me  to  ask  the  question,  ''Why  did  the 
Lord  send  me  here?"  Our  congregation  has  passed  through 
the  severest  trial  in  all  its  history.     It  is  not  proper  for  me 

112 


to  sit  in  judgment  as  to  who  have  been  responsible  for  that 
trial.  It  is  proper  for  us  all  to  humiliate  ourselves  before 
God  and  pray  him  that  the  dark  shadows  of  the  past  may 
not  be  prolonged  into  the  future.  I  am,  in  making  my  re- 
view, exceedingly  grateful  to  the  Kind  Providence  that 
has  kept  His  grace  in  our  hearts  and  preserved  us  from  ab- 
solute coldness  and  death  in  the  midst  of  our  dissensions. 
We  have  not  been  a  dead  church.  To  a  stranger  looking  in 
on  our  work  we  have  given  every  evidence  of  thrift.  The  at- 
tendance both  on  the  services  of  the  Sabbath  and  at  prayer 
meeting  has  continued  unbroken  to  the  end,  our  Wednes- 
day evening  gatherings  averaging  no  less  than  100  the  year 
round,  and  often  running  up  to  140  and  150  persons.  Dur- 
ing my  ministry  here  our  congregation  has  been  blessed  of 
Heaven  with  two  gracious  outpourings  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
the  one  occurring  at  the  beginning  of  the  year  1875  and  con- 
tinuing for  nearly  two  months,  the  other  in  the  spring  of 
1877  and  continuing  over  one  month.  The  first  of  these 
awakenings  was  remarkable  for  its  results  among  our 
adults,  and  the  second  for  its  results  among  our  children. 
Can  we  ever  forget  in  the  spring  of  '77  that  beautiful  sight 
of  the  children  from  seven  years  to  fourteen  crowding  the 
study  for  special  prayer?  Out  of  this  same  awakening  came 
our  Young  People's  Association.  This  Association  has  been 
indeed  a  phenomenon.  Ninety-seven  of  our  youth  and  chil- 
dren have  signed  its  constitution.  Its  meetings  have  now 
continued  for  nearly  one  year  and  a  half,  the  attendance 
seldom  falling  below  fifty,  and  often  running  up  to  70  and  80. 
The  splendid  socials  of  the  Young  People,  the  facility  they 
have  displayed  in  doing  all  kinds  of  church  work  and  espe- 
cially the  advance  they  have  made  in  all  the  exercises  of 
public  worship  have  caused  many  particularly  amon.q: 
parents  to  consider  the  last  as  the  best  of  the  five  years  of 
the  pastorate  just  closed. 

The  statistics  of  my  pastorate  make  the  following  ex- 
hibit. Two  hundred  and  twenty-seven  have  been  admitted 
to  membership  in  the  church.  Of  these,  one  hundred  and 
fifty-six  (156)  have  been  admitted  on  profession  of  their 
faith  in  Christ;  and  of  these  latter  sixty-four  (64)  have 
been  baptized.    Among  those  admitted  on  profession,  I  find 

113 


at  the  time  of  reception  53  married  persons,  26  of  these  be- 
ing the  couplets  of  13  families,  who  came  as  couplets  into 
the  church.  In  looking  over  the  list  of  all  these  227  new  ad~ 
ditions,  I  have  asked  myself  the  question,  "Where  are  they? 
And  how  do  they  now  appear  in  their  relation  to  the 
Church?"  I  hope  I  will  be  excused  for  expressing  myself 
as  most  highly  gratified  as  I  begin  at  No.  261  in  your  church 
roll  and  pass  along  over  the  names  to  No.  487.  Here  is  ac- 
cording to  my  best  judgment  the  result  of  the  review.  Thir- 
ty-five have  been  dismissed  upon  certificate  to  other 
churches ;  fourteen  of  them  have  died,  and  I  trust  are  in 
Heaven ;  eleven  are  absent  without  certificate.  This  leaves 
one  hundred  and  sixty-seven  (167)  on  the  ground  to  be  ac- 
counted for.  Of  these,  I  regard  not  more  than  ten  (10)  as 
being  now  lost  to  the  church,  and  not  all  of  them  are  so  living 
that  they  would  disgrace  the  church  if  they  were  still  in 
regular  membership.  Looking  over  the  entire  roll  of  our 
present  membership,  and  leaving  out  those,  who  have  lost 
membership  by  long  neglect,  I  find  among  the  balance  more 
than  fifty  persons  who,  though  they  are  not  lost  to  the 
church,  yet  are  now  and  have  been  for  months  in  very  irreg- 
ular attendance  on  the  ordinances  of  divine  worship.  I  have 
called  these  the  unreliables.  It  is  with  something  of  pride 
that  I  can  say  that  not  more  than  fifteen  of  this  number 
come  in  the  list  of  those  who  have  come  into  the  church 
within  the  last  five  years.  Deducting  the  lost  and  the  unre- 
liables, you  have  at  this  moment  as  the  result  of  our  com- 
mon toil  during  this  last  pastorate,  a  clear  gain  of  more 
than  140  good  substantial  members  of  the  church,  persons 
who  may  be  found  with  great  regularity  at  their  posts  of 
duty.  Surely  we  have  reason  to  praise  the  Lord  for  His 
goodness  to  us.  The  church  of  Middletown  has  now  all  the 
elements  needed  for  future  success,  and  if  the  members  pre- 
serve the  peace  and  secure  the  utmost  fellowship  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  this  success  will  be  assured  by  the  grace  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  As  your  retiring  pastor,  I  wish  you  the  most 
abundant  harvest  under  the  new  shepherd  the  Lord  may 
send  you.  Compose  your  differences,  confess  each  his  own 
sins  to  the  Lord,  humble  yourselves  at  the  mercy  seat  and 
Heaven  will  grant  you  its  benediction. 

114 


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OUR  HONOR  ROLL. 
The  World  War. 

^Raymond  Alvin  Pinkerton. 

Rev.  David  Garrett  Smith  Nerval  E.  Diver 

James  Bryan  Paul  J.  Banker 

Thomas  C.  Woodward  James   Saunders 

Southard  P.  Mayer  Ray  Hahs 

John  S.  Roney  John  0.  Dearth 

Clyde  Hackney  Chauncey  McCoy 

Edwin  Mills  Thomas  K.  Calder 

Tom  Schraffenberger  Frank  L.  Pinkerton 

Victor  Collord  Edward  G.  Lamme 

William  Ross  Crane  Ronald  Griest 

R.  Colfax  Phillips  Percival  Johnson 

George  Cline  Harley  A.  Bate 

Knowlton  H.  Smith  Paul  E.  Buss 

Earl  K.  Mantz  Leroy  Newlin 

Stanley  Gibbs  M.  Standish  Phillips 

Paul  M.  Foster  Robert  A.  Solborg 

Paul  A.  Diver  Graydon   Schenck 

Harold  Shugg  Earl  Beatty 

Mark  Denny  Adam  E.  Bridge 

Herbert  C.  Boykin  Harold  Albert  Roney 

George  Edmund  Denny  Robert  B.  Edson 

Calvin  W.  Verity  Dr.  W.  T.  Shipe 

Charles  Wells  Shartle  Moxie  George 

The  following  were  enrolled  in  The  Students'  Auxiliary 
Training  Corps : 

Glenn  Hoover  Harry  Newlin 

Charles  Shyrock  Sam  McAdow 

Ohmer  Steward  Milton  Blair 

Charles  Schaerges  Charles   Johnson 

Jacob  Jackson  Blair 

Raymond  Alvin  Pinkerton,  Co.  G,  6th.  Marines,  was 
wounded  in  Soissons,  July  19,  1918,  and  died  soon  after- 
ward, the  exact  date  not  being  known. 

The  following  is  from  a  letter  sent  by  General  John  J. 
Pershing  to  Mr.  Pinkerton's  parents : 

"He  bravely  laid  down  his  life  for  the  cause  of  his  coun- 
try. His  name  will  ever  remain  fresh  in  the  hearts  of  his 
friends  and  comrades.  The  record  of  his  honorable  service 
will  be  preserved  in  the  archives  of  the  American  Expedi- 
tionary Forces." 


116 


THE  CHURCH  ORGANIZATION. 

Rev.  Bernard  J.  Brinkema,  Pastor. 

THE   SESSION. 

G.  N.  Clapp,  J.  W.  Shafor,  J.  L.  Blair,  William  McLean,  R.  C.  Van- 
derveer,  C.  F.  Williamson,  R.  C.  Phillips,  E.  G.  Barkley,  D.  F.  Gerber, 
M.  D.,  C.  E.  Burke,  Clerk. 

THE  BOARD  OF  DEACONS. 

C.  E.  Margerum,  Chairman;  W.  H.  Johnson,  O.  F.  Kendle,  D.  D. 
Lefferson,  W.  S.  LaTourrette,  J.  C.  Stratton,  M.  D.,  J.  C.  Phillips,  W. 
H.  Bevenger,  E.  C.  Woodward,  H.  S.  Wise,  F.  0.  Diver,  W.  H.  Minton, 
Secretary. 

TRUSTEES. 

W.  O.  Barnitz,  Z.  W.  Ranck,  M.  A.  Thomas,  G.  M.  Verity,  Howard 
A.  Wilson. 

F.  O.  Diver,  Church  Treasurer;  W.  H.  Minton,  Financial  Secretary. 

THE  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

R.  C.  Phillips,  Superintendent;  H.  S.  Wise,  R.  C.  Vanderveer,  Wil- 
liam McLean,  Assistant  Superintendents;  Mrs.  C.  E.  Burke,  Superinten- 
dent of  Junior  Department;  Mrs.  W.  H.  Johnson,  Temperance  Super- 
intendent; Mrs.  Elizabeth  Kirkpatrick,  Superintendent  of  Home  De- 
partment; Norval  Diver,  Secretary;  Edmond  L.  Phillips,  Assistant  Sec- 
retary; P.  D.  Silveus,  Treasurer. 

PRIMARY  DEPARTMENT. 

Mrs.  Carl  Williamson,  Superintendent;  Mrs.  A.  P.  Huffman,  As- 
sistant Superintendent;  Miss  Roberta  Leasure,  Secretary;  Mrs.  R.  C. 
Phillips  and  Mrs.  H.  S.  Wise,  Cradle  Roll  Superintendents;  Mrs.  D.  W. 
Lloyd,  Helen  Barkley,  Dorothy  Margerum  and  Margaret  Thompson, 
Teachers;  Edna  Blair,  Leader  of  Music. 

ORGANIZED   CLASSES. 

The  Friendly  Helpers'  Class — Mrs.  A.  L.  Foster,  President;  Mrs. 
C.  A.  Pardonner,  First  Vice-President;  Mrs.  Alice  VanSickle,  Second 
Vice-President;  Mrs.  B.  E.  Leeds,  Secretary;  Mrs.  J.  M.  Iseminger, 
Treasurer;  Wade  E.  Miller,  Teacher. 

Miss  LaTourrette's  Class — President,  Mrs.  R.  J.  Todd;  Secretary, 
Mrs.  William  McLean;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  Grace  Beatel;  Teacher,  Miss 
Josephine  LoTourrette. 

The  Westminster  Men's  Class — President,  J.  T.  Williamson;  Sec- 
retary, J.  S.  Todd;  Treasurer,  F.  O.  Diver;  Teacher,  G.  E.  Roudebush. 

Teachers  of  Classes  Not  Organized — R.  C.  Vanderveer,  Mrs.  Eliz- 
abeth Kirkpatrick,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Johnson,  C.  W.  Shartle,  H.  E.  Brooks, 
Mrs.  C.  W.  Shartle,  Mrs.  R.  H.  Long,  Mrs.  G.  M.  Verity,  L.  J.  Gossard, 
Elizabeth  Schenck,  E.  R.  Kontner,  Mrs.  E.  C.  Woodward,  Miss  Mary 
Corson. 

OTHER  CHURCH  ORGANIZATIONS. 

THE  YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  SOCIETY  OF  CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR. 
Edmond  L.  Phillips,  President;  Thelma  Murphy,  Vice-President; 
Elizabeth  Schenck,  Secretary;  Karl  Pauly,  Treasurer;  Edna  Mantz, 
Chairman  Prayer  Meeting  Committee;  Dick  Greathouse,  Chairman 
Lookout  Committee;  Helen  Boyd,  Chairman  Social  Committee. 

117 


THE   WOMAN'S   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 

President,  Mrs.  E.  C.  Woodward;  First  Vice-President,  Mrs.  C.  E. 
Burke;  Second  Vice-President,  Mrs.  D.  M.  Gebhart;  Recording  Secre- 
tary, Mrs.  E.  T.  Storer;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  D.  D.  Lefferson;  Correspond- 
ing Secretary,  Mrs.  H.  A.  Wilson;  Secretary  of  Literature,  Mrs.  R.  C. 
Vanderveer. 

THE  WOMAN'S  SOCIETY. 

President,  Mrs.  H.  H.  Goldman;  First  Vice-President,  Mrs.  C.  B. 
Oglesby;  Second  Vice-President,  Mrs.  A.  L.  Foster;  Secretary,  Mrs.  E. 
W.  Gunckel;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  E.  L.  McCallay. 

THE  WESTMINSTER  MEN'S  CLUB. 

President,  Calvin  W.  Verity;  Vice-President,  C.  E.  Burke;  Secre- 
tary, W.  H.  Minton;  Treasurer,  Paul  D.  Silveus. 


118 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  OF  PASTORS. 

FRANCIS  MONFORT.— Born,  York  County,  Pa.,  Dec.  15,  1782. 
Descendant  of  the  Huguenots.  Moved  to  Warren  County,  Ohio,  1799. 
Studied  for  the  ministry  under  the  supervision  of  his  Pastor  for  two 
years.  Licensed  to  preach,  July  31,  1807.  Then  preached  in  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee  and  later  at  Dick's  Creek,  Carlisle,  Seven  Mile,  Hamil- 
ton, Middletown,  Ohio,  and  Mt.  Carmel  and  Greensburg,  Ind.  Pastor 
of  the  First  Church  at  Middletown,  1819-24.  Was  a  strong  and  fer- 
vent preacher.  Spent  48  years  in  the  ministry.  Mr.  Monfort  was  a 
great  student  and  began  the  study  of  Hebrew  when  he  was  61  years  of 
age  and  kept  it  up  until  his  death,  June  18,  1855.  He  had  four  sons 
all  of  whom  were  Presbyterian  ministers. 

SAMUEL  BUCHANAN  SMITH.— Born,  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  March 
22,  1806.  Graduated  Dickinson  College,  Carlisle,  Pa.,  1824,  at  Prince- 
ton Theological  Seminary,  1826-28;  supplied  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  Middletown,  Ohio,  1828-32;  ordained  an  evangelist  by  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Oxford,  Oct.  4,  1832.  He  was  the  stated  supply  of  the  fol- 
lowing churches:  Venice,  Ohio,  Mt.  Carmel,  Ind.,  Camden,  Ohio,  St. 
Charles,  Mo.,  and  a  missionary  in  the  State  of  Ililinois  from  1854  to 
1865.     Died  in  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  May  23,  1846. 

JOHN  P.  HUDSON.— Served  the  following  churches  in  West  Lex- 
ington, Ky.,  Presbytery:  Beard  Creek,  Woodford  and  Winchester;  the 
following  in  Miami  Presbytery:  Franklin  and  Middletown,  in  1824-32. 
Later  he  served  in  the  New  Jersey  Church  of  Carlisle,  Ohio,  and  then 
moved  to  Keota,  Iowa. 

ALEXANDER  GUY.— Supplied  the  First  Presbyterian  Church, 
Middletown  1833-35.  Also  Pastor  of  the  following  Churches:  Mt. 
Pleasant,  Mt.  Carmel,  Bethel,  Cheviot  and  Reading. 

JOHN  S.  BELLEVILLE. — Served  in  Washington  and  Miamis- 
burg,  1829-30;  Missionary  appointment  to  Dayton  and  Union  Congre- 
gations and  other  vacant  churches  in  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  Pastor 
Washington,  Miami  Presbytery,  1831-40,  Middletown  First  Presbyte- 
rian, 1837-39. 

JOHN  BALLARD  MORTON.— Born  in  New  York  City,  August  3, 
1815.  Graduated  University  of  New  York,  1835,  and  Princeton  Sem- 
inary, 1838.  Supplied  church  at  Portsmouth,  Va.,  in  1839,  Middletown, 
O.,  1840-43.  Ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Miami,  April  25,  1843.  Pas- 
tor at  Franklin,  O.,  and  again  Pastor  at  Middletown,  O.,  after  which 
he  supplied  the  following  churches:  Monroe  and  Dick's  Creek,  Second 
Presbyterian,  Springfield,  Venice,  Highland,  Kansas,  and  First  Church, 
St.  Charles,  Mo.,  where  he  died,  March  31,  1882. 

SAMUEL  McCLAIN  TEMPLETON.— Born  at  West  Alexander, 
Pa.,  December  11,  1816.  Graduated  Washington  College,  Pa.,  1836,  and 
studied  theology  at  Western  Seminary,  Allegheny.  Ordained  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Coshocton.  Pastor  of  the  following  churches:  Middle- 
town  First  Presbyterian,  1847-53,  and  Delavan,  111.  He  died  May  13, 
1867. 

JOSHUA  LACY  RUSSELL.— Born,  Clifton,  Ohio,  September  29, 
1845.  Graduated  Wittenberg  College,  1864,  and  Princeton  Seminary, 
1867.  Ordained  by  Presbytery  of  Miami,  August  17,  1867.  Pastor  of 
the  following  churches:  First  Presbyterian,  Middletown,  1867-72;  Park 
Church,  Dayton;  Spring  Garden  Church,  Philadelphia;  Second  Church, 
Altoona,  Pa.;  First  Church,  Los  Angeles,  Cal.  Resided  in  Germantown, 
Pa.,  and  Princeton,  N.  J.  Again  Pastor  at  Darby,  Pa.,  and  Cowin,  Pa., 
where  he  died  November  22,  1906. 

119 


JOSEPH  WADDELL  CLOKEY. — Born  in  Jefferson  Co.,  Ohio,  in 

1839.  Graduated  Wittenberg  College  in  1860  and  Xenia  Theological 
Seminary  in  1864.  Ordained  in  1864  by  the  United  Presbyterian  Pres- 
bytery of  Xenia.  Pastor  of  the  following  churches:  U.  P.  Church,  Stu- 
benville,  U.  P.  Church,  Richmond,  Indiana,  First  Presbyterian  Church, 
Middletown,  Ohio,  1873-78,  New  Albany,  Indiana,  Troy,  Ohio,  and  re- 
tired to  Oxford,  Ohio,  where  he  died  August  17,  1919. 

THOMAS    HACKETT   HENCH.— Bom    at    Centre,   Pa.,   April   5, 

1840.  Graduate  of  Princeton  University,  1861.  He  was  a  teacher  in 
Harvard  University,  1861-62;  attended  Princeton  Theological  Semin- 
ary, 1863-66,  graduating  in  1866.  He  was  ordained  to  the  Presbyte- 
rian ministry  by  the  Presbytery  of  Iowa  City,  December  20,  1871.  Sup- 
plied several  churches  in  Illinois  before  he  was  ordained  and  after  or- 
dination was  pastor  of  the  following  churches:  Walcot,  Iowa,  1871-75; 
Rock  Island,  111.,  1875-78;  Middletown,  Ohio,  1878-83;  Connersville, 
Ind.,  1884-96.  He  was  stated  supply  at  Georgetown,  Ohio,  1896-1904, 
and  from  1904,  with  his  residence  at  Georgetown,  Ohio,  he  supplied 
four  churches:  Cedron,  Feesburg,  Felicity  and  Higginsport.  In  1916 
he  left  Georgetown,  Ohio,  and  went  as  Stated  Supply  to  Wentworth, 
Mo.  He  is  now  honorably  retired  from  the  active  service  and  lives  in 
Carthage,  Mo.  Mr.  Hench  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity 
from  Hanover  College  in  1893. 

SCOTT  F.  HERSHEY.— Educated  in  the  institutions  of  the  Re- 
formed Church.  Ordained,  May,  1876,  by  the  Synod  of  Indiana  of  the 
Reformed  Church.  Served  the  following  churches:  Reformed  Church 
of  Rochester,  Ind.,  Reformed  Church  of  Lancaster,  Ohio,  First  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Middletown,  Ohio,  Sixth  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Washington,  D.  C.,  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Boston,  Mass.,  Wooster, 
Ohio,  Presbyterian  and  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  New  Castle,  Pa. 
Now  associated  with  the  International  Sunday  School  Educational 
Work.    He  resides  at  present  at  Angola,  Indiana. 

JAMES  MATTHEW  SIMONTON.— Born  in  Alexandria,  Pa. 
Graduate  of  Wooster  University,  1876,  and  Union  Theological  Semin- 
ary in  1879.  Ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Long  Island,  1879.  Pas- 
tor of  the  following  churches:  First  Congregational  Church,  Orient, 
N.  Y.,  Grove  Church,  Danville,  Pa.,  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Mid- 
dletown, Ohio,  1888-90,  Third  Presbyterian  Church,  Cincinnati,  O.  Re- 
sided at  Ross,  Ohio,  in  ill  health,  and  at  Jamesport,  N.  Y.,  and  New 
York  City,  where  he  died  in  1915. 

GEORGE  MERIWITHER  McCAMPBELL.— Born  Jeffersonville, 
Indiana,  September  9,  1841.  Graduated,  Hanover  College,  1862.  Served 
in  the  U.  S.  Army,  1862-63;  Princeton  Seminary  graduate,  1866.  Or- 
dained by  the  Presbytery  of  Potomac,  September  13,  1866.  Pastor  of 
the  following  churches:  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Alexandria,  Va., 
Brick  Church  Chapel,  N.  Y.,  Maysville,  Ky.,  Spring  St.  Church,  N.  Y. 
City,  Reformed  Church,  Brooklyn,  L.  I.,  Presbyterian  Church,  Salem, 
L.  I.,  and  Stapleton,  L.  I.,  and  Milleville,  Pa.  He  was  pastor  of  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Middletown,  1891-95.  Pastor  Emeritus, 
Milleville,  Pa.  He  died  December  15,  1918,  in  New  York  City,  as  result 
of  an  automobile  accident. 

THOMAS  SMITH  SCOTT.— Bom  in  Enon  Vail,  Pa.  Graduated 
Adelbert  College,  Western  Reserve  University,  1874,  Union  Seminary, 
1877.  Ordained,  September,  1877,  by  Presbytery  of  Mahoning.  Pastor 
of  the  following  churches:  East  Cleveland,  Ohio,  Westminster,  Rock- 
ford,  111.,  Second  Presbyterian,  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  Vincennes,  Ind.,  First 
Presbyterian,  Middletown,  1896-1900,  New  Albany,  Ind.,  and  Maringo, 
111.,  where  he  died  March  5,  1914. 

120 


WILLIAM  HAMILL  SHIELDS.— Born  Daretown,  N.  J.,  January 
30,  1870.  Graduated  Wooster  University  1892,  Princeton  Theological 
Seminary,  1895.  Ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  Detroit,  December  13, 
1895.  Pastor  of  the  Calvary  Church,  Detroit,  Michigan,  1895-1900, 
First  Presbyterian  Church,  Middletown,  1900-10,  Hillsboro,  Ohio,  1910- 
17,  and  since  that  time  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Mt. 
Vernon,  Ohio. 

DAVID  GARRETT  SMITH.— Born  Harrington,  N.  J.  Graduated 
Hamilton  College,  1889.  Graduated  in  class  of  1892  at  Union  Theo- 
logical Seminary.  Ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  1892.  He 
was  pastor  of  the  Emmanuel  Presbyterian  Church,  Philadelphia,  Pa., 
for  18  years  and  was  then  called  to  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Middletown,  Ohio,  in  1910,  and  resigned  the  pastorate  in  1918  to  engage 
in  Y.  M.  C.  A.  oversea  war  work.  Returned  to  this  country  in  June, 
1919,  and  is  now  residing  at  Westminster  Park,  Thousand  Islands, 
New  York. 

BERNARD  J.  BRINKEMA.— Born  Webster  City,  Iowa,  March  29, 
1879.  Graduated  Hastings  College  1904  and  Princeton  Seminary  1907. 
Ordained  by  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  June  27,  1907.  Pastor  of  the 
Rock  and  Zion  Presbyterian  Churches,  North  East  Maryland,  1907-14, 
editor  of  the  Peninsula  Presbyterian,  1913-14.  Pastor  of  First  Pres- 
bj^erian  Church,  Milton,  Pa.,  1914-18.  Called  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church,  Middletown,  O.,  September  25,  1918. 


121 


THE  MEMBERSHIP  ROLL. 

OCTOBER  1,  1919. 

The  Church  Roll  contains  the  names  of  the  active  members.  Mem- 
bers who  are  habitually  absent  from  the  communion  table  and  non- 
attendants  who  continue  to  sustain  no  active  relation  to  the  Church 
are,  by  act  of  the  Session,  carried  on  the  Reserve  Roll  and  are  so  re- 
ported to  the  Presbytery. 

Blair,  John  C. 
Blair,  Mrs.  Katherine 
Blair,  John  L. 
Blair,  Mrs.  Bertha  R. 
Blair,  John  Milton 
Blair,  Vincent  Paul 
Blair,  Mrs.  Edna  Zellers 
Blair,  James 
Blair,  Mrs.  Aug'usta 
Blair,  Jacob  Jackson 
Blair,  Isabelle  Edna 
Blair,  Jos.  E. 
Blair,  Mrs.  Olive 
Booth,  Edwin  C. 
Boyd,  John  W. 
Boyd,  Mrs.  Cora  H. 
Boyd,  Helen  Hilt 
Boykin,  Herbert  C. 
Breeding,  Josephine 
Brinkema,  Mrs.  Margaret  M. 
Brinkema,  Robert  J. 
Brooks,   Howard   E. 
Brooks,  Mrs.  Helen  Marjorie 
Brosius,  Dr.  F.  W. 
Brosius,  Mrs.  Winifred  Evans 
Bryan,  James  E. 
Buffington,  Mrs.  Dora 
Burke,  C.  E. 
Burke,  Mrs.  Blanche  R. 
Burcky,  Mrs.  M.  E. 
Buss,  Paul  E. 
Butler,  Mrs.  Anna 
C 
Calder,  Arthur  Thompson 
Calder,   William 
Calder,  James 
Calder,  Mrs.  Kathryn 
Calder,  Thomas  K. 
Calder,  Bertha  Elizabeth   S.   K. 
Carnahan,  Mrs.  Frances  P.  M. 
Carr,  Edwin  D. 
Carr,  Mrs.  Helen  M. 
Carr.  Mildred  Eloise 
Cassidy,  Mrs.  Anna  B. 
Chamberlain,  Wallace  I. 
Chamberlain,  Mrs.  Ada  Weiser 
Chappie,  Bennett 
Chappie,  Mrs.  Charlotte 
Chappie,  De  Witte 
Chappie,  Bennett  S. 
Charls,  George  H. 


Adair,  Raymond  G. 

AUspaw,    Mrs.    Hazel    Montgomery 

Arbuckle,  Wesley  M. 

Ash,  Mrs.  Rose  L. 

Ash,  James  L. 

Augspurger,  B.  K. 

Augspurger,  Mrs.  Margaret  E. 

Augspurger,   Esther  Margaret 

Augspurger,  Barbara  Irene 

B 
Badger,  Rose 
Bailey,  Mrs.  Alice  A. 
Bailey,  Martha  E. 
Banker,  Paul  Jacob 
Banker,  Kathleen 
Banker,  Mary  Elizabeth 
Banker,  Emma  J. 
Banker,  Lida  P. 
Banker,  Carrie 
Banker,  Dorothy  Virginia 
Banker,  Fred  E. 
Banker,  Mrs.  Lucille  M. 
Barkley,  E.  G. 
Barkley,  Helen  Laren 
Barkley,  Mrs.  Laura  M.  B. 
Barnett,  Catherine 
Barnitz,  Mrs.  Anna  L. 
Barnitz,  Ella  K. 
Barnitz,  William  O. 
Barnitz,  Mrs.  Mabel 
Barrackman,  Jesse  H. 
Barrackman,   Pearl 
Barton,  Dr.  Chas.  G. 
Barton,  Mrs.  Norina 
Bate,  Harley  A. 
Beachler,  Mrs.  Kathryn  Lorenz 
Beachler,  Robert  H. 
Bell,  Howard 
Bell,  Mrs.  Ada  Snyder 
Bennett,  Harold  F. 
Bevenger,  Mrs.  Rebecca 
Bevenger,  Iva  M. 
Bevenger,  Mary  Elizabeth 
Bevenger,  William  H. 
Bevenger,  Mrs.  Mary  J. 
Bevis,  R.  E. 
Bevis,  Mrs.  Ruth  M. 
Blackford,  Ralph  E. 
Blackford,  Mrs.  Nellie  Blair 
Blackie,  Alexander 

122 


Charls,  Mrs.  Alice  M. 

Charls,  Elizabeth 

Chestnut,  Mrs.  Blanch 

Clapp,  G.  N. 

Clapp,  Mrs.  Marie  M. 

Clapp,  Elmer 

Clapp,  Mrs.  Margaret  Gebhart 

Clark,  Carl  C. 

Clark,  Mrs.  Alice  Climer 

Clark,  Mrs.  Ruth  Grant 

Collord,  Mrs.  Martha  H. 

Comestock,  Mrs.  Harriet  E. 

Compton,  Mrs.  Verna 

Corson,  Luella 

Corson,  Mary 

Cox,  Mary  Alice 

Crane,  William  Ross 

Crane,  Mrs.  Mary  Holloway 

Crider,  Mrs.  Armilda 

Crider,  Mrs.  Dorcas 

Crider,  Mrs.  Edith 

Curliss,  Mrs.  Emma 

D 

Daley,  Charles  Edward 
Daley,  Mrs.  Myrtle 
Davis,  Herbert  Allen 
Dearth,  Mrs.  Mary 
Dearth,  John  Oliver 
Dell,  Mrs.  Ethel 
Denny,  Mrs.  Augusta 
Denny,  George  Edmond 
Denny,  Wampler 
Denny,  Mrs.  Jessie  B. 
Diver,  Frank  O. 
Diver,  Mrs.  Emma  K.  Yearion 
Diver,  Norval  Edward 
Diver,  Paul  Albert 
Diver,  Franklyn  Arnold 
Diver,  Donald  A. 
Diver,  Jacob 
Downey,  Charles  M. 
Downey,  Mrs.  Lillie  M. 
Downey,  Mrs.  Julia 
Downey,   Julia 
Drayer,  Edward  L. 
Drayer,  Mrs.  Olive  G. 
DuChemin,  Wm.  Glenn 

E 

Eck,  Cornelius  G. 
Eck,  Mrs.  Ida  May 
Eck,  Mary  E. 
Edson,  Charles  E. 
Edson,  Robert  B. 
Edwards,  J.  A. 
Eggleston,  Lafayette 
Eggleston,  Mrs.  Carrie  B. 
Eggleston,  Amy  B. 
Eggleston,  Dora  F. 
Elliott,  Wm.  Patton 


123 


Elliott,  Chas.  Templeton 

Ely,  Mrs.  Barbara  Ann 

Erk,  Orel  E. 

Erk,  Mrs.  Mary  Hinkle 

Evans,  Mrs.  Corinne  Woodmansee 

Evans,  Mary  B. 

F  ; 

Fisher,  Adam 

Folks,  Selby  C. 

Folks,  Mrs.  Lola  Worth 

Ford,  Mrs.  Amanda 

Ford,  Paul  Raymond 

Forkner,  Alvin  Marvin 

Foster,  Mrs.  Myrtie  A. 

Foster,  Paul  M. 

Fuhr,  William  John 

Fuhr,  Jacob  Stanley 

Fuhr,  Emma  Leota 

Fulmer,  Mrs.   Emma 

Fulmer,  Russell 

Fulmer,  Mrs.  Nellie  Margaret 

G 

Gebhart,  Mrs.  Mary 
Gebhart,  David  M. 
Gebhart,  Willard 
Gebhart,  Mrs.  Phona 
Gebhart,  Mrs.  Clara  L. 
Geran,  Jennie  K. 
Gerber,  Dr.  David  F. 
Goldman,  Mrs.  Nettie  B. 
Goldsmith,  Mrs.  Mary  Boyd 
Gossard,   Leslie   James 
Gossard,  Mrs.  Lorma 
Graham,  Mrs.  Laura 
Grant,  Mrs.  Jessie  Russell 
Grant,  Louise  Russell 
Greathouse,  Mrs.  Kate 
Greathouse,  Chas.  Richard 
Greathouse,  Fred  B. 
Greathouse,   Raymond  Vail 
Griest,  Ronald 
Griffith,  Floyd 
Gruver,  Emiline 
Gunckel,  Ernest  W. 
Gunckel,  Mrs.  Clara 
Gunckel,  Genevieve  T. 

H 

Harkrader,  Isabelle  Dorothy 
Harkrader,  Mrs.  Wilhelmina 
Hartley,  Harriet  A. 
Hartley,  Rachel  Tibbals 
Hatfield,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C. 
Hedding,  Wesley  B. 
Heffner,  Mrs.  Jeannette 
Heffner,  Joseph  G. 
Heffner,   Mrs.   Matilda   Dorothy 
Henderson,  Raymond  A. 
Hensey,  Ruth  A. 


Hester,  Lucy  May- 
Hicks,  T.  C. 
Hicks,  Mrs.  Nancy  A. 
Hilt,  Luella 
Holstein,  S.  R. 

Holstein,  Mrs.  Florence  Priest 
Hook,  Mrs.  Leah  V. 
Hoover,  Mrs.  Louise  A. 
Hoover,  Glenn 
Hoover,  William 

I 
Iseminger,  Joseph  M. 
Iseminger,  Mrs.  Laura  C. 

J 
Jackson,  Lucille 
Jacoby,  Mrs.  Carrie  K. 
Jacoby,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
Jacoby,  Ethel 
Jasbring,  Elizabeth  Jane 
Jasbring,  Benjamin  Ellis 
Johnson,  William  H. 
Johnson,  Mrs.  Ida  Mabel 
Johnson,  Edna  Margaret 
Johnson,  Percival  F. 
Johnson,  Charles  F. 
Jones,  Harold  Haley 

K 

Kappeller,  Frances 
Kaser,  Mrs.  Mary  C. 
Keller,  Anthony 
Keller,  Mrs.  Florence  Jasbring 
Kendle,  Oliver  F. 
Kendle,  Mrs.  Mary  L. 
Keppler,   Earl 
Keppler,  Alexander 
Keppler,  Mrs.  Nancy  Jane 
Keppler,  Mary  Elizabeth 
Kimball,  Fannie  S. 
Kimball,  Laura  E. 
Kirkpatrick,  Mrs.   Elizabeth   M. 
Kraft,  Mrs.  Chas.  L. 
Kramer,  Mrs.  Bessie 
Krauss,  Leonard  Eugene 


Lamme,  Edward  G. 
Lamme,  Herbert  Leroy 
La  Tourrette,  William  S. 
La  Tourrette,  Mrs.  Myrtle  P. 
La  Tourrette,  Josephine  Glenna 
La  Tourrette,  Josephine 
T,awrerce.  Mrs.  Grace  R. 
Laycock,  Nannie 
Leasure,  I.  N. 
Leasure,  Mrs.  Alice  O. 
Leasure,  William  Newton 
Leasure,  Roberta 
Lepsure.  Charles  C. 
Lefferscn,  Dubois  D. 


Lefferson,  Mrs.  Margaret  E. 
Lefferson,  Mary  E. 
Leibee,  Henry  P. 
Leibee,  Mrs.  Marion  Frances 
Linkins,  Helen  Margaret 
Lloyd,  Donald  W. 
Lloyd,  Mrs.  Emily 
Lloyd,  Norman  R. 
Lloyd,  Donald  William 
Long,  Robert  Homer 
Long,  Mrs.  Grace  B. 
Long  Mrs.  Lavina  S. 
Long,  Mrs.  Hazel  Swink 
Lukens,  Mrs.  Ora  M. 
Lukens,  Robert  M. 
Lukey,  Mrs.  Jane 
M 
McAdams,  John  B. 
McAdams,  Mrs.  Jennie  D. 
McAdow,  R.  Ocsar 
McAdow,  Mrs.  Carrie 
McAdow,  Edna  M. 
McAdow,  John  Samuel 
McArthur,  William 
McCallay,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
McCallay,  Mrs.  Henrietta 
McCoy,  Chauncey  E. 
McCoy,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Crane 
McCoy,  Mrs.  Mary  Elizabeth 
McCray,  Mrs.  Marietta 
McCray,  Beulah 
McLean,  Alexander 
McLean,  Mrs.  Mary 
McLean,   Emma    Louise 
McLean,  William 
McLean,  Mrs.  Lulu 
McLean.  Douglas  Clark 
Mantz,  Earl  K. 
Mantz,  Edna  M. 
Margerum,  Charles   E. 
Margerum,  Mrs.  Julia  W. 
Margerum,   Dorothy   Elizabeth 
Marston,  Mrs.  Theodore 
Martz,  Mrs.  Thusnelda  H. 
Marts,  Clara  S. 
Matson,  Green  W. 
Mayer,  Southard  P. 
Medaris,  Mrs.  Ella  R. 
Mendler,  Mrs.  Pauline 
Menger.  Phillip 
Miller,  Horace  O. 
Miller,  Mrs.  Ada  B. 
Miller,  John  Arthur 
Miller,  Wade 
Miller,  Mrs.  Dora 
Miller,  Mrs.  Mvrtle  Franier 
Millner.  Mrs.  Helen  Sargent 
MUls.  Edmond  S. 
Minnick,  Frank  J. 
Minnick,  Mrs.  Hattie 


124 


Minton,  W.  H. 
Minton,  Mrs.  Nellie  R. 
Minton,    Margaret   Adelaide 
Minton,  Sarah  Elizabeth 
Mitchell,  Mrs.  Jennie  M. 
Mitchell,  Diltz 
Mitchell,  Edwin 
Mitchell,  Mary  E. 
Mitchell,  Thomas  H. 
Moon,  Emil  T. 
Moon,  Vernon 
Morris,  Frank  Ellis 
Morris,  Mrs.  Edith  V. 
Murphy,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Murphy,  Eleanor  Henrietta 
Murphy,  Thelma  Elizabeth 

N 
Nein,  Edward  H. 
Nein,  Mrs.   Elizabeth   M. 
Nein,  John  F. 
Nein,  Velma  Beatrice 
Nein,  Louis  T. 
Nein,  Mrs.  Ethel  S. 
Nein,   Lyman   Randolph 
Nein,  Gordon  Russel 
Nein,  Floyd  Henry 
Newhall,  Wm.  Townsend 
Newhall,  Mrs.  Winn  Jean 
Newlin,  Leroy 

O 

Oglesby,  Mrs.  Kate  A. 

Oglesby,  W.  Dickey 

Oglesby,  Ralph  C. 

Olinger,  Berton  E. 

Olinger,  Mrs.  Jessie  Eggleston 

Owsley,  Mrs.  Sarah 


Pardonner,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
Parker,  Mrs.  Helen  Porter 
Paullin,  Mrs.  Carrie  Elizabeth 
Paullin,  Raymond  Summit 
Pauly,  Frank  B. 
Perry,  Arlington  C. 
Perry,  Mrs.  Bessie  J. 
Philbin,  Mrs.  Harriet  Woodward 
Phillips,  Rufus  C. 
Phillips,  Mrs.  Frances  L. 
Phillips,  Dorothy  Frances 
Phillips,  George  Verity 
Phillips,  M.  Standish 
Phillips,  Flavins  Joseph 
Phillips,  Mrs.  Rhea 
Phillips,  Edmund  L. 
Phillips,  John  Cramer 
Phillips,  Mrs.  Eugenia  Margaret 
Phillips,  Leland  Arthur 
Phillips.  John  Cramer,  Jr. 
Pinkerton,  R.  W. 


Pinkerton,  Mrs.   Margaret 
Pinkerton,  Lela  Alice 
Pinkerton,  Frank  Leslie 
Porter,  Mrs.  Clara  A. 
Porter,  Harry  K. 
Porter,  Mrs.  Elsie  Emma 

R 

Ranck,  Zeiber  W. 

Ranck,  Mrs.  Zora  B. 

Reed,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

Reed,  Mrs.  Emma  B. 

Reed,  George  B. 

Reed,   Thomas   David 

Reed,  Sophronia 

Robbins,  Mrs.  Ruth 

Robbins,  Sara  Elizabeth 

Robbins,  Sabin 

Robbins,  Douglas  R. 

Robbins,  Mrs.  Pauline  Phillips 

Roller,  John  L. 

Roller,  Mrs.  Anna 

Roney,  James  L. 

Roney,  Mrs.  Jessie 

Roney,  John  S. 

Roney,  William  Harold 

Roney,  Mrs.  Sarah  R. 

Ronsheim,  Mrs.  Anna  P. 

Ross,  John  R. 

Rucker,  Mrs.  Hazel  Bunnel 

S 
Schaeffer,  Mrs.  Mary 
Schaerges,  Charles  Edward 
Schenck,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  L. 
Schenck,  Charles  Graydon 
Schenck,  Emma  Elizabeth 
Schirtzinger,  Mrs.  A.  Bessie 
Scott,  John  Percy 
Scott,  Mrs.  Blanche  Glendine 
Scott,  Gordon  Winfield 
Seagraves,  John  F. 
Sebald,  Mrs.  Lillian  Drayer 
Selby,  Martha  Ester 
Shafor,  Lee 
Shafor,  Joseph  W. 
Shafor,  Lucille 
Shafor,  Nellie 
Shartle,  Charles  W. 
Shartle,  Mrs.  Lucy  C. 
Shartle,  Ina  Louise 
Shartle,  Welthea  J. 
Shartle,  John  Adam 
Shartle.  Charles  Wells,  Jr. 
Shaw,  Reed  A. 
Sheets,  Dr.  Arthur  C. 
Shipe,  Dr.  W.  T. 
Shipe,  Mrs.  Ella  H. 
Shirey,  Roy 
Shirev,  Mrs.  Daisey  T. 
Shough,  E.  Tyler 


125 


Shough,  Mrs.  Mabel  Wade 
Shugg,  Harold 
Signom,  Wesley  Lockard 
Signom,  Chas.  0. 
Signom,  Mrs.  Florence  E. 
Silveus,  Paul  D. 
Silveus,  Mrs.  Mabel 
Simpson,  Bertha  A. 
Sizemore,  Roy  Esten 
Small,  Mrs.  Mary  J. 
Small,  Irene  Mary 
Small,  Mildred  Elizabeth 
Smith,  Dr.  Eva  C. 
Smith,  Mrs.  Blanche 
Smith,  Fae  Elizabeth 
Snyder,  Kate  S. 
Solborg,  Mrs.  Virginia  V. 
Solborg,  Robert  A. 
Souers,  Mrs.  Mabel  Minnick 
Speck,  David  C. 
Sprowl,  Clarence  Irvin 
Sprowl,  Mrs.  Ruth 
Stahl,  Mrs.  Myrtle  H. 
Steed,  Arthur 
Steed,  Mrs.  Helen  V. 
Stevens,  E.  J. 
Stevens,  Mrs.  Ella  R. 
Storer,  Dr.  E.  T. 
Storer,  Mrs.  Catherine 
Stratton,  Dr.  John  C. 
Stratton,  Mrs.  Anna  C. 
Strodtbeck,  Mrs.  Carrie  Long 
Stultz,  Norman  Robert 
Sutphen,  Mrs.  Hattie 
Swink,  Mrs.  Jennie 

T 
Tanzey,  Audrey  E. 
Thomas,  Mrs.  Harriet  E. 
Thomas,  Marcus  A. 
Thompson,  Mrs.  Florence 
Thompson,   Florence   E. 
Thompson,  Margaret  E. 
Thompson,   Emma   B. 
Thornton,  Louise  Cornelia 
Tilton,  Mrs.  Mary  Emley 
Tobitt,  Mrs.  Alice  Hazel 
Todd,  James  S. 
Todd,  Mrs.  Sarah  E. 
Todd,  R.  J. 
Todd,  Mrs.  Alma  K. 
Todhunter,  Luella 
Trowbridge,  Mrs.   Ruby   Maud 
Tyson,  Mrs.  Anna  R. 
Tytus,  Mrs.  Marjorie  Denny 

V 
Vanderveer,  Robert  C. 
Vanderveer,  Mrs.  M.  Elma 
Vanderveer,  Robert  W. 
Vanderveer,  Esther  M. 
Vanderveer,  Dorothy  L. 
Van  Gorder,   Roland   L. 


Van  Gorder,  John  J. 
Van  Gorder,  Mrs.  Minnie  B. 
Van  Sickle,  Mrs.  Alice 
Van  Sickle,  Fred  H. 
Van  Sickle,  Mrs.  May  F. 
Verity,  George  M. 
Verity,  Mrs.  Jennie  M. 
Verity,  Sarah  G. 
Verity,  Calvin  W. 
Verity,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Vigor,  Mrs.  Mabel  G. 
Voorhis,  Joseph  C. 
Voorhis,  Mrs.  Viola  May 

W 
Waite,  Jackson  Leroy 
Warner,   Louise   A. 
Weir,  Jennie  E. 
Weir,  Mrs.  Jane 
Wentz,  Charles 
Wentz,  Mrs.  Lona  May 
Wentz,  John  Edward 
Wentz,  Karl  Raymond 
Wertz,  Mrs.  Carrie  E. 
Wertz,  Richard  Adam 
Weyman,    Mrs.    Marie    Elizabeth 
Whittle,  Mrs.  Amie  Blackie 
Whitlaw,  Mrs.  Marie  Foster 
Williams,  Louise  C. 
Williams,  Nellie 
Williams,  Dr.  Walton  H. 
Williams,  Mrs.  Mayo  E. 
Williamson,  Carl  F. 
Williamson,  Mrs.  Emma  E. 
Williamson,  John  T. 
Wilson,  Mrs.  Jennie  H. 
Wilson,  Howard  A. 
Wilson,  Alvin  Shields 
Wilson,  George  Arthur 
Wilson,  Howard  A.,  Jr. 
Wilson,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
Wilson,  Chauncey 
Wilson,  Mrs.  Marion  M. 
Wilson.  Mrs.  Emma  J. 
Wise,  Harry  Scott 
Wise,  Mrs.  Mary  Elizabeth 
Wise,  Jessie  Pauline 
Wise,  Frances  Irene 
Wolfe,  Cora  E. 
Woodmansee,  W.  A. 
Woodmansee,  Mrs.  Hattie 
Woodmansee,  Martha 
Woodward,  Edwin  C. 
Woodward,  Mrs.   Carrie 
Woodward,  Thomas  C. 
Wooley,  Mrs.  Fanny 
Wright,  Martha  Ellen 

Y 
Yearion,  James  M. 
Yearion,  Mrs.  Barbara  E. 

Z 
Zellers,  Mrs.  Sadie  E. 


126 


We,  the  members  of  the  Official  Boards  of 
The  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Middletovm ,  Ohio, 
appreciating  the  efforts  and  sacrifices  of   the  good 
nen  and  women  of  our  Church  who  have  gone  on  Defore, 
and  realizing  more  fully  in  the  light  of  this  day  v/hat 
they  have  done  for  the  Church  in  which  we  worship  and 
for  the  cornnunity  in  which  we  live,  do  pledge  to  this, 
our  Church,  a  fuller  devotion  and  a  more  earnest  service 
with  the  prayer  that  its  glory  nay  not  be  dimmed  and 
that  it  ever  may  move,  in  His  name,  onward  and  upward, 
and  "become  more  and  more  a  light  that  cannot  be  hid. 


(TUl^i^'^  ^'  \iiyLlytA/ 


Jj^jLnui/^ 


127 


MIDDLETOWN,    OHIO: 

The  Naegele-Auer  Printing  Co. 

1919 


Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Libraries 


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